Career coaching and small business coaching in New Zealand and Australia
Questions? Straight answers.
Everything you need to know about working with CareerMate, in plain English. Can't find your answer? Ask me directly, I usually reply the same day.
Honest and helpful advice when I've needed it most.– Sarah C
7 answers
Getting started
What is CareerMate?
CareerMate offers one-on-one career coaching and small business coaching in New Zealand and Australia. It was founded by Chris Casey, an ICC-certified coach based in Auckland who's still working full time, leading marketing and technology teams across New Zealand and Australia.
Who is CareerMate for?
Two groups of people. Professionals in marketing, technology and creative roles, plus other fields such as health, engineering and law, who are starting out, levelling up or ready for a change. And New Zealand small business owners who want help with marketing, sales, numbers and AI.
Why choose CareerMate over other coaches?
I'm still working in the industry. I hire and lead teams today, so my advice reflects what's happening in the job market and in business right now, not ten years ago. I've also changed careers myself, run my own small business, and worked across sectors from financial services to agriculture.
What is the Next Move Call?
A free 20-minute online call. We talk through where you are and what's got you stuck, and you leave with a clear next step, whether or not we work together. There's no script and no sales pitch. Book a free Next Move Call.
Do I need to pick a service before we talk?
No. Tell me what's going on and we'll work out together whether career coaching, business coaching, or neither is the right fit.
Do you have free tools I can use first?
Yes. Try the career change explorer to see where your skills could take you, or the business launch tool if you're thinking of going out on your own. The free tools page also has interview practice cards, a stay-or-go check, a LinkedIn headline builder, a 30-day plan if you've been made redundant, a planner for moving to NZ for work, and templates for small business owners.
Try first: the free career change explorer shows your best-fit routes in 2 minutes.Open toolWhat can you honestly promise?
A clear picture of where you stand, a practical plan, and someone in your corner while you act on it. I can't promise a job offer or a sales target, and no honest coach can. If you're not getting the outcome you expected after a programme, I'll offer further sessions free of charge.
Chris is still working his day job which means he has more idea of 'real-world' skills and jobs that are currently in demand.
What does a career coach actually do?
A career coach helps you work out what you want, builds a practical plan to get there, and supports you while you act on it. That can include a skills audit, your CV, LinkedIn and portfolio, interview practice, and big decisions like whether to stay or go. See career coaching, or start with the free CV rewrite cheat sheet.
Do I need to already work in marketing, tech or a creative field?
No. Many people I work with are trying to break in, whether they're graduates or moving across from another industry. We'll work out how your existing skills transfer. I also coach professionals from other fields, including senior clinicians, engineers and lawyers, as well as graduates and career changers.
Try first: the free career change explorer shows your best-fit routes in 2 minutes.Open toolHow many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you're working on. One $179 session suits a specific question, like a CV review or interview prep. For a bigger change, the three-session CareerMate Programme ($499) gives you time to plan, act and adjust.
Do I get support after the programme?
Yes. If you complete the CareerMate Programme, you get 3 months of follow-up support afterwards.
Is there something free I can start with?
Yes. Download Your Job Reset, a free 13-page workbook that helps you get unstuck and plan your next move at your own pace. You can also practise real interview questions and grab a CV rewrite cheat sheet on the free tools page.
I've just been made redundant. Where do I start?
Start with the free 30-day redundancy plan. It walks you through what to ask HR, money and support, how to explain the redundancy in interviews, and choosing your direction. If you'd like help with any of it, book a free 20-minute call.
Try first: the free career change explorer shows your best-fit routes in 2 minutes.Open toolI'm moving to NZ from overseas. Can you help?
Yes. Try the free Moving to NZ for work planner for a step-by-step job-search plan and a Kiwi CV check. I can't give visa advice, so for that, check Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser. For your CV, interviews and job search, I can help.
He encouraged me not just to make any change, but to pursue the right one.
What do you help small businesses with?
The planning and behind-the-scenes work that helps you grow: who your best customers are, your website and social media, your sales process, the numbers that matter, and practical AI and automation. See small business coaching, or start with the free one-page marketing plan.
Who is small business coaching for?
New Zealand businesses with around 2 to 20 people, including online businesses, e-commerce brands, retailers, service businesses, consultants and sole traders ready to grow.
Will you do the marketing for me?
No, I'm not an agency. I help you build the plan, set up the tools and templates, and show you how to run them, so you own it and don't depend on anyone else.
I'm not very technical. Is AI really for me?
Yes. We start with simple, practical things that save you time straight away, like drafting posts and emails, answering enquiries, or tidying up admin. The free AI "hours back" checklist has 15 ready-to-use prompts.
Are there free tools for small business owners?
Yes, six. Starting out? The business launch tool takes you from idea to launch. Already running? The free tools page has a business health check, a cash runway check, a price rise calculator, an admin cost calculator and a first hire cost check, plus a one-page marketing plan and an AI "hours back" checklist.
Solid insights and strategies I could put to use straight away.
5 answers
Cost and booking
- FreeNext Move Call · 20 min
- $179Career session · 60 min
- $499CareerMate Programme
- $249Business session · 60 min
How much does it cost?
The Next Move Call is always free. Career coaching is $179 per 60-minute session, or $499 for the three-session CareerMate Programme. Small business coaching is $249 per 60-minute session. Both are pay as you go, with no lock-in contracts, and we'll confirm the right option on your free call before you pay anything.
How do I book?
Book a free Next Move Call, or email yourmate@careermate.io and I'll find a time that suits you.
Are sessions online or in person?
Sessions are live and online, so you can join from anywhere in New Zealand or Australia. If you're in Auckland, we can meet in person too. After you book, you'll get a link to join.
What if I need to reschedule?
Email yourmate@careermate.io at least 24 hours before your session, and we'll find a new time that works for you.
Can you help if cost is a barrier?
Get in touch anyway. I want coaching to be accessible, so tell me about your situation and I'll see what I can do.
Highly flexible with his times and sessions.
Still have a question? Just ask.
Pick whatever's easiest for you. I usually reply the same day.
The easiest way to find out? Talk to me.
Twenty minutes, free, and you'll leave with a clear next step.
Free · 20 minutes online · No obligation