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,?

We always offer candidates the use of a laptop if attending in person. Alternatively as others have mentioned we've said to email it to us if done virtually. Please ask the recruiters and explain, you shouldn't be out of pocket by hundreds of pounds just to interview.

I’d buy a laptop from cex secondhand reconditioned. I suspect you’d be able to return it easier but probably just for store credit.

Probably should've mentioned I work in IT and even then we wouldn't be put off if a candidate asked to borrow one. They can do everything they need for the job with the one we provide, if successful. We wouldn't judge.

Haven’t read the thread (I know…) but you could email the slides to the interviewers and they could show them via screen sharing. You could log in via your phone.

Are you familiar with using Teams before? You won't need multiple applications open. Just Teams and then your presentation ready to share through Teams. I think a 3 year old laptop should be able to handle this. More importantly you need to do a test and check your internet speed/connection in advance

Your work coach will supply you with one, they did with a family member. Good luck!

My DH bought the crappiest laptop money could buy... He didn't listen to me at all. It has been crap from the start, but I've had to live with it!

My laptop as mentioned a, can't handle screenshare. I know this as I teach, so use zoom regularly for it. Yes I'm used to teams, that's what we used in my previous workplace

@Terribleluck

I don't think I'd be able to do it in a library, after all they're also assessing my working environment (I would assume?) I think the answer is in testing my iPad, hoping for the best, that and see if the work coach does anything, but I know it's nothing to be ashamed of, bit if felt like I left some of my dignity when asking the work coach.

Don't feel ashamed OP, my laptop is work issued and I don't have a personal one either.

If the iPad doesn't cut it then speak to the employer and ask to email the slides over first. This wouldn't be a dealbreaker for me if I was interviewing you and I interview when hiring for my team. I'm more interested on your content rather than your ability to flick between slides but also don't forget you can request control of the screen whilst sharing so you can even do the clicking yourself.

Just tell them your personal laptop is on the blink and you wouldn't like it to hamper your interview.

Good luck, and please don't feel ashamed

@BoredZelda

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

I don’t know a single person who works in IT who doesn’t have their own laptop or PC as well as an employer provided one.

My husband is an IT manager and I think he’d be wary of someone who works in tech not having their own laptop or PC

I'm a programmer and don't know anybody who doesn't have their own - but it's quite judgemental to think badly of people for this. There could be various reasons why someone doesn't have one. Broke just before the interview and can't afford to replace for example. Or there were other priorities.

@Terribleluck

My DH bought the crappiest laptop money could buy... He didn't listen to me at all. It has been crap from the start, but I've had to live with it!

If you're the techy one why did he buy the laptop? Also working in 'tech' I'm presuming you're not actually a programmer/technical staff...? We would rather cut our right hand off rather than let someone else choose our gear

Could you contact the employer and say your laptop is in for repairs and won’t be done in time would it be possible to come to the office and use one there instead.

I’d be fine with someone saying this with good notice. Problem solving.

The other option might be to ask at a children’s centre or community centre or church.

Do you have any local Facebook groups you can ask? There are ones where people pass on stuff they no longer want for free rather than bin it. People often ask if anyone is getting rid of specific items. You could ask if anyone has a spare laptop they were thinking of parting with? I'm sure it would be slow and not in perfect condition but it might do for the interview?

Dont QVC have a 30 day money back no quibble guarantee?

Long story short, I specifically told him what to buy and got something else! I also needed it for work back then, and really needed it, do I didn't think it was worth the fight. I'm a CSM so the least technical of the industry, but definitely not computer illiterate. Most of these jobs ask for SQL skills.

I agree you can’t run a PowerPoint from your phone. If everyone you know uses a laptop for work, lending gets problematic. If you know your interview slot would anyone let you come around and use their laptop at theirs for that period? And a previous period to have your PowerPoint set up and checked in their machine? If a work machine possibly not as having you use it could be a breach of contract but if a personal machine used for work they might be amenable? See what your job support say, it’s shocking if job support don’t have options to offer for this these days.

And, unless it’s full of proprietary info you dont want to give away, send your ppt through before hand, in case of technical difficulties on any side.

@Babyiskickingmyribs

Use both OP. Use your laptop AND your ipad. Log in twice to the interview on Zoom. Use one device for the camera and sound and the other to screenshare your ppt presentation.

Yes you can do this. I had to do this for a job interview when my computer didn’t have a camera, and I needed to present and be on screen using my iPad camera at the same time. The other way of doing it is to save your ppt file as a pdf that you can easily open on your iPad whilst you are in your interview on teams. There are YouTube videos that explain how to share your screen using an iPad on teams.

Since Covid and the need to work from home and school there have been lots of local schemes to provide laptops to people in need.

As mentioned previously, your work coach will be able to supply one or be able to put you in touch with organisations who will. Find out if schemes such as Future Bright (through your local council) provide support or local housing associations who also have access to funds to support their residents into employment.

Loads of better ideas than borrowing from someone you've never met on a forum.

OP check with the JobCentre and your local library if they can help you. Also, if you have recently (even if you left a few years ago) been in college or university ask them - they are usually keen to support ex students and will likely be pleased to help. Also try on your local ‘Share’ Facebook groups if anyone has a spare laptop you could borrow or rent for a few hours for a job interview.

https://www.smart.uk.com/rental

Have a look at this link OP, I haven't looked at the cost but it might work.

If not, post on Facebook. Someone will be bound to lend you one/ point you in the direction of a job club or charity that will be able to help. Good luck with the interview!

@Terribleluck

No, I don't know anyone! Everybody that has a laptop uses it for work, not personal use. I agree with someone about telling the employer directly that I don't have a working laptop don't think it would look good (albeit that's why I don't want to buy one, there nos.much use for it outside of work, and work whenever I get back to it,.will supply one).

someone about telling the employer directly that I don't have a working laptop don't think it would look good

Why on earth wouldn't it look good??

If you're still stuck, ask your JSA contact - there may be some sort of support group in your area that can lend you something - this is to help you get a job after all.

Best of luck.

You could;

Complete the presentation from a public library computer and email it to the interviewers. Print a copy of the slides for yourself.

Explain to the interviews that the technology you own isn't capable of running the two together but they can flick through the slides on their computer and you can present on teams via your phone.

Get a refurbished laptop for a fraction of the price!! Many reputable sellers on Amazon and you could have it in 2 days

Hello everyone,

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

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Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted in time for the interview. In the meantime, you might find some useful information on our guide for dealing with financial difficulty