I really need a laptop for a job interview, can't afford it and nobody can lend me one

[Terribleluck]

Would it be terrible of me to buy one to then return it,?

Can you prepare the presentation on your laptop and save it into Teams then use your phone for the call and presentation?

I would explain to the interviewer that your laptop has died and email the PowerPoint to the them, ask that they share the slides on the zoom for you and then you can just join the zoom by phone

Don’t get into debt for an interview. And good luck!!

Presenting / training is part of the roles, so definitely would be checking my presentation skills. I've left a note for my job coach and see what they say.

@Shylo

I would explain to the interviewer that your laptop has died and email the PowerPoint to the them, ask that they share the slides on the zoom for you and then you can just join the zoom by phone

Don’t get into debt for an interview. And good luck!!

I think that's the best solution unless you have a friend who can help you. But first I'd try the job centre.

Email in advance with your PPT and ask someone else to screenshare the PowerPoint and click through the slides. Then just join on your phone and present like that.

I never encourage people to get into debt, but PC World/Currys do interest free credit for up to 12 months if you are eligible.

I bought my daughters laptop that way last year and paid for it over 12 months with no interest. Just make sure that you pay the balance off in full before the deadline as the interest kicks in immediately.

Rent a laptop OP

If you are applying for that kind of jobs you really should have a laptop or at least a decent PC anyway (if you’re going to WFH) which may be cheaper. Some android tablets are also pretty cheap but you’d need a case with a keyboard. I’d see if there is some way to access grants/loans from your JC.
There are quite affordable options nowadays and second hand stores also have laptops. It may be worth just biting the bullet and going for it. Also practical so you can practice presenting ahead of the interview.
Good luck with your interview!

Have you tried the credit union?

We didn't have lap tops in our house for years as couldn't afford them. But then I built a credit rating with the credit union, eventually got an argos card and carried on from there.

Also do look into a scheme called Rental Exchange.
It is so that people who pay their rent monthly and in advance are not disadvantaged. It is a scheme whereby your rent payments featur eon your credit rating.

I've just asked about it at our Housing Association so may do seperate thread when I know it works.

@Caspianberg

You don’t need it to multitask. Set zoom call on on phone, use the old laptop for the Presentation.

They probably want her to share the screen so she has to join the meeting on the same device that she has the powerpoint on.

If your children are eligible for pupil premium ask their school for one. We repurposed all of our locks laptops into homes who did not have a laptop. If they refuse ask how they are supporting disadvantaged families post lockdown and with longer term economic success

@Prettyconfused

If you are applying for that kind of jobs you really should have a laptop or at least a decent PC anyway (if you’re going to WFH) which may be cheaper. Some android tablets are also pretty cheap but you’d need a case with a keyboard. I’d see if there is some way to access grants/loans from your JC. There are quite affordable options nowadays and second hand stores also have laptops. It may be worth just biting the bullet and going for it. Also practical so you can practice presenting ahead of the interview. Good luck with your interview!

Any employer should be providing a laptop to their employees- you don't supply your own.

Good employees should also be willing to lend you a laptop for the interview, but appreciate it might feel awkward to ask.

OP I think the suggestion of telling them your computer has crashed and emailing them your slides ahead of time is the best option. Ask them to share the presentation and you talk through it from you phone.

"I think the suggestion of telling them your computer has crashed and emailing them your slides ahead of time is the best option. Ask them to share the presentation and you talk through it from you phone."

Except that OP has clarified that remote presenting would be part of the actual job so it seems likely that they will want to see her do it.

Talk to your work coach. The DWP will fund a laptop if needed for a role.

On Teams you should be able to share your screen and have the presentation on your iPad

Sorry OP, I haven't read the comments so it may have already been suggested.

You can do the PowerPoint beforehand and email it over to the interviewer (doing it at a library). Explain to them that you don't have a decide that's capable of presenting. Then you just need to do the Zoom call, and ask them to move to the next slide for you.

Have a printed copy available with you so you can read it properly.

They won't bat an eyelid.

Which area of the country are you in? If you're anywhere near Southampton, I could help.

Speak to the recruiter.

I had to do virtual interviews in a previous role as candidates and interviewers were spread over the globe.

If a candidate didn't have reliable tech of their own (many were students who relied on university computers) we'd invite them into our office to use our technology.

I'm assuming the recruiter is aware you're currently unemployed and therefore might not be in a position to upgrade your own personal tech. If so I'm sure they'd have no problem with working something out that would enable you to participate in the interview.

If not then I'd say it reflects very badly on them.

Except that OP has clarified that remote presenting would be part of the actual job so it seems likely that they will want to see her do it.

But if OP gets the job this won’t matter because they will issue a laptop so any issues will be dealt with by IT etc.

Speak to your local library about hiring a room with a computer in or a community centre. Or job centre. Might work.

@FreeBritnee

That’s what credit cards are there for.

In this context this is one of the most offensive posts I’ve ever seen on MN.

Absolutely staggering to think there could be anyone so tone deaf, and ignorant of real life, on MN.

Hope you find a way around the problem, OP.

You can do the PowerPoint beforehand and email it over to the interviewer (doing it at a library). Explain to them that you don't have a decide that's capable of presenting. Then you just need to do the Zoom call, and ask them to move to the next slide for you.

Good idea. I'd do this actually

Are there any CEX type stores in your area? They often have loads of tech that people have just upgraded so there’s nothing wrong with them.

If you do your presentation on powerpoint, once it is saved, you log onto TEAMS, open powerpoint and then share the screen and everyone will see the presentation. You can log into TEAMS on your imac, online and just share your screen on that if your laptop doesn't work.

Or you can send the interviewer the presentation in advance and ask them to share their screen and progress each page as you need them to whilst you talk them through it. It will either be you or the presentation showing at any one point so once you have done that, they end sharing their screen and you will be back as part of the interview.

Tell the interviewer you don't have a laptop. You won't be the first, and it's very arrogant of them to assume everyone does have one.