Got a job offer? Compare it, then negotiate with confidence.
A free planner for New Zealand and Australian job seekers. Compare an offer with your current job or a second offer, including KiwiSaver, leave, flexibility and contract rates. Then get a counter-offer you can actually say out loud. Nothing is saved or sent.
Practical, actionable strategies that were tailored to my circumstances.– Sarah Z
Step 1 · Compare
What's each option really worth?
Fill in what you know. Leave anything else at the starting values, and change them later.
The comparison
Step 2 · Negotiate
What should you ask for?
Negotiating a contract? Use the same steps with day rates: enter the day rate offered and the market range for day rates.
Check the going rate for the role first. Seek salary insights and Careers NZ are good places to start, or ask a recruiter in your field. Then put your range in here.
Ask for
Talking points, in your own words
Want to rehearse it with a hiring manager first? Book a free 20-minute call →
A rough guide, not financial or legal advice. Contract figures are estimates: check tax, ACC and insurance with an accountant before signing.
Job offers
Common questions
Should I negotiate a job offer in New Zealand?
Usually, yes. Most employers expect a polite counter-offer, especially for professional roles, and asking respectfully rarely puts an offer at risk. Base it on the market range for the role and what you bring, not on what you need.
How much more should I ask for?
It depends on where the offer sits in the market range. If it's below the middle, ask for a figure towards the top of the range. If it's already near the top, ask for a smaller step or for non-salary benefits instead. The planner works this out for you.
How do I compare a contract rate with a permanent salary?
Multiply the day rate by the days you'll realistically be paid (after holidays, sick days and gaps between contracts), then remember contractors usually fund their own KiwiSaver or super, leave and insurance. The planner converts a contract into an equivalent salary so you can compare like with like.
What else can I negotiate besides salary?
Extra annual leave, flexible or remote working, a training budget, a pay review after six months, a sign-on bonus, your start date, or your job title. These are often easier for an employer to say yes to than more salary.
What if they say no?
Thank them, ask whether anything else is flexible, and decide against your walk-away number. If the offer is still above it, accepting is a good outcome. If it isn't, it's fine to decline politely.
How can CareerMate help with a job offer?
Chris Casey is an ICC-certified coach who's still working full time, leading marketing and technology teams across New Zealand and Australia, and makes job offers himself. Coaching helps you decide between offers, plan your counter-offer and practise saying it. Start with a free 20-minute call.
Big decision? Talk it through with someone who makes offers.
Twenty minutes, free, and you'll leave with a clear next step.
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