FAQs

Start by doing your homework — but don’t let the number be the only signal of value.

• Use tools like Payscale, Glassdoor, or Hays NZ Salary Guide
  
• Ask mentors or former grads what they earned in their first roles
  
• Frame your ask around contribution, not cost
  
  

A good opening line: “Given the skills I bring, and the scope of this role, I believe $XX,000 is a fair starting point — is that in line with your expectations?”

If the answer is no, don’t fold. Ask what it would take to revisit the number after three months. In tech, your ability to grow fast often matters more than your starting point.

And remember: it’s not just about money. Titles, mentorship, flexibility, and project scope all shape your trajectory. Negotiate the whole picture — and know your worth isn’t fixed. It’s unfolding.

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