Question About Job Offer

I like to keep my own info private.
Mixing business and personal on one computer is not a good idea - and most businesses would be the first to say so.
They want to be SURE that you are working and not doing personal stuff during company time.
A laptop with the software they want you to use should be easy for them to provide for you.
Either they issue you a laptop and pay for your parking or don't accept the job.
It would cost you more than it's worth.
Looking for a job and interviewing is tough - and it sure does make you feel awful.
But it shouldn't make you feel so desperate that you'll take anything.
There are plenty of jobs that are designed to chew you up and spit you out.
You don't want one of those!

"Parking will cost me $8 per day & they want me to use my own laptop."

Employers would typically not even allow you to use a personal machine and connect to company data. There are security risks and legal issues.

Additionally, employers generally provide parking or reimbursement. Something is not legit with this employer. It is sketchy. If they can't even provide the basic tools an admin needs, then something is seriously wrong.

I'd decline the job.

I would ask some more questions. I would have an issue with using my own personal computer for company work. It seems they would provide this and would be set up properly with security, software, proper specs, etc. Also, I feel a good company would provide for employee parking rather than have them pay the daily fee. Both of these things are suspect to me. Lastly, I certainly would clarify exactly what they mean about flexibility around their schedule. That really doesn't sound like it would be flexible for you. I understand you are really wanting a decent job, but now is the time to make sure you will be treated decently and that this is a good, legitimate job. Ask these things now before you accept.

Hmm, this sounds fishy. An admin job should have a company computer attached to it and in all the years I've been doing this kind of work my parking has been a part of my salary package. Also "super flexible" hours? Just doesn't sound right. I'd pass and keep looking.

I don't want anyone to spy on my personal computer. Chance is that when you install software from them "for work reasons" you have no control what else will be installed.

I don't want to sound paranoid. My brother is a specialist in cyber crime. If a company asks to use your private computer it will raises a big red flag to him.

You have nothing to loose at this point to ask for a computer, ask to cover the parking and see what happens.

If they say no you should move on...

I guess I would be direct - tell them you are very excited to work for them, but unfortunately you will need a laptop because it turns out you cannot use yours after all. If they ask why, I would say it isn't working correctly anymore. They will never know, right? That is very unorthodox to ask someone to use their own laptop for a job. (and it makes me very curious -
what kind of job is it?) I would also ask for a parking pass or metro card or some sort of compensation for parking. Ask what they mean about hours being flexible but only around their schedule so that you know exactly if this will work with your schedule. Do all this in a friendly business like manner. Now is the time to negotiate...before you start. Good luck!

I'm in HR. I would NEVER allow someone to link into our system. We ALWAYS provide the laptop. Parking should be part of your compensation which means the company should pay that amount. I would want to know what type of schedule you would be working. Is it nights? Weekends? You need to have an idea to prepare YOUR schedule at home.

If you didn't already accept, I would go back and negotiate the laptop and parking. I would also ask for a more clear definition of the working schedule. If they won't, to me, these are deal breakers. You should NOT use your own computer. Most companies will pay for parking. So while I'm sure they were very nice, it might not be a good idea to work for them. I would be afraid that my paycheck would be made out of rubber instead of paper.