Left my job as nothing to do - how to explain?

[Carole18]

My boss went through a personal crisis and I spent the last 18 months in my role going into work, not sure if he was going to turn up etc. As his responsibilities were moved elsewhere I literally had nothing to do all day. I asked to go part time, transfer departments etc but was refused, as as was redundancy, so in the end decided to leave as it was soul destroying. Have had a nice few months off. Problem is how do I explain this at interviews when they ask why I left my old job?

Due to internal reorganization, my role was no longer providing enough challenge and stretch. I took the decision to take some time out to focus on my next steps. That is what led me to apply for this role as I felt X, Y, Z (tie in with job description) is where my skills are best suited in the future.

That's a helpful response - many thanks.

You're welcome.

You basically have to lie and put a positive spin on it.

You need to focus on what the new job has to offer, and how you will contribute to the success of the team. There is always some bending of the truth when explaining the reason why a person doesn't want to stay in their current post. Keep it to the minimum, no need to give too much information, but as previously stated, be clear about what you're looking for next.

All organisations care about is that you haven't been dismissed for gross misconduct or committed some heinous crime that would render you an undesirable employee.

Tell them it was a difficult choice as you really liked the colleagues you worked with but in the end weren't being stretched enough etc. It will reassure them you're a people person with good work ethics and priorities.