How to negotiate your salary - 5 key steps
You’ve landed a job offer - congratulations!
But as you review the details, you find yourself wondering:
“Is this salary fair?”
“Can I ask for more?”
Or even “What if they withdraw the offer if I negotiate?”
If these thoughts sound familiar, you're not alone.
Many jobseekers and recent graduates in New Zealand feel anxious about salary negotiation, often worrying that pushing back might make them seem ungrateful or cost them the opportunity altogether. Additionally, workers believe negotiating a pay rise is becoming more difficult, as 70% of Kiwi workers say it has become more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year.
As a result, many accept the first offer they receive, sometimes without realising they could have earned more.
The truth is, negotiating your salary is more than just getting a bigger salary, it’s about ensuring you’re paid fairly for your skills, experience, and potential. Employers in New Zealand often expect some negotiation, and with the right approach, you can confidently advocate for yourself without jeopardising the opportunity.
As recruitment experts, lets us guide you through how to negotiate salary successfully, covering salary trends, negotiation strategies, and even providing a salary negotiation email sample to help you craft a professional counteroffer.
Why salary negotiations matter
Many jobseekers in NZ accept the first offer without negotiating, fearing they might lose the opportunity.
Paul Bateson, Practice Director and specialised tech, transformation, and project services recruiter says salary negotiation is a healthy part of the job interview process.
However, employers often expect some discussion, and failing to negotiate could mean missing out on thousands of dollars annually.
“Candidates shouldn't shy away from salary negotiation. When done correctly, it demonstrates their understanding of their own value in the current market and their commitment to securing fair compensation for their skills and experience. In fact, a confident yet respectful negotiation can often signal to an employer that the candidate is assertive and understands their worth, qualities that are often highly valued.”
A well-prepared negotiation can help you:
Secure fair pay based on your skills and experience.
Boost long-term earnings by increasing your starting salary.
Set a precedent for future pay raises and promotions.
Related: How to ask about the salary in a job interview
Understanding NZ salary trends
Get the numbers worth knowing from our NZ Salary Guide
There are currently complex salary dynamics shaping the Kiwi job market.
Paul explains: “I am seeing salary issues plague the current work environment. Employers, facing budget constraints and prioritising cost management, are struggling to meet employees' demands for higher pay after less frequent salary rises despite their hard work and need for financial stability.”
In this current market employers are in the drivers seat when it comes to controlling salary negotiation conversations.
For this reason, before discussing salary, it's essential to research industry benchmarks in New Zealand to ensure the salary negotiation conversations you are having are in-line with the current market.
Here’s how you can gather insights:
Use salary comparison websites – recruitment agencies such as Robert Half can provide industry-specific salary ranges through our Salary Guide.
Check job listings – Many job ads now include salary brackets, helping you gauge competitive pay.
Network with industry professionals – LinkedIn and professional groups can provide insights into standard pay expectations.
Consider location & demand – Salaries in Auckland and Wellington tend to be higher due to living costs, while industries like tech, healthcare, and finance often offer premium pay.
If a job ad states a salary range, aim for the higher end if you have strong skills or relevant experience.
Step 1: Know your worth
Research similar roles and determine a reasonable salary expectation before your interview.
Be ready to justify your figure based on:
Your skills and qualifications
Industry standards
The company's budget and pay trends
To get a current, realistic view of the compensation landscape in your field, consult the Robert Half Salary Guide. You’ll find the going rate for your position and experience level, and can adjust national figures for your geographic area using our Salary Calculator.
Paul says, “When consulting the Salary Guide, pay particular attention to the “in-demand jobs” and “most in-demand skills” sections. If your role appears frequently, you are in a stronger position to seek increased compensation.”
Step 2: Let the employer bring up salary first
If possible, wait for the employer to mention salary. If asked about expectations early in the interview, you can respond with: “I’m open to discussing salary based on the responsibilities of the role and industry standards. Could you share the budgeted range for this position?”
This strategy puts you in a more advantageous position. Asking the hiring manager the initial offer gives you valuable insight into their valuation of the role and their overall compensation structure. It also prevents you from potentially underselling yourself or anchoring the negotiation too low right from the start.
Paul: “Think of it like this: they've already determined the value they see in filling this specific need within their organisation. Letting them lead with the salary figure provides a crucial benchmark for your subsequent discussion. It allows you to assess whether their initial offer aligns with your research on industry standards and the value you bring.”
Related: How to discuss a salary hike with your manager
Step 3: Make a confident counteroffer
If the initial offer is lower than expected, express appreciation but advocate for a higher amount: “Thank you for the offer. Based on my research and the market rate for similar roles, I was expecting something closer to [$X]. Would there be flexibility in adjusting the offer?”
Responding in this way acknowledges their offer while clearly stating your expectations and providing a rationale. It opens the door for discussion without being confrontational.
“If you are going to negotiate your salary further, be prepared to elaborate on your research, highlighting specific skills and experiences that justify your desired salary range. Mentioning comparable roles in the city you live, or the wider tech/finance market can also strengthen your position,” says Paul.
Step 4: Consider benefits beyond salary
If the employer cannot increase the base salary, you can negotiate other benefits like:
Remote work options
Additional leave
Professional development funding
Performance-based bonuses
Salary negotiations often include some give-and-take on employee perks and benefits. It may be less costly than a bump in salary for the employer to give ground on extra annual leave days or, especially today, flexible hours.
Paul’s advice is: “Consider what’s valuable to you beyond salary. If you’re considering multiple offers, remember to directly compare each benefits offering to make an informed decision. Also, factor in perks such as professional development opportunities with the potential employer.”
Related: New Zealand employers up flexible work hours to offset return-to-office requirements
Step 5: Follow up in writing
Once you discuss salary, confirm details via email to ensure clarity.
Below is a salary negotiation email sample you can use:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
After reviewing the offer and considering my experience and market research, I would like to discuss the possibility of adjusting the salary to [$X]. I believe this figure aligns with industry standards and reflects my skills in [mention relevant skills].
I’d love to further discuss this and find a mutually beneficial agreement. Please let me know if we can arrange a time to connect.
I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Final tips for a successful salary negotiation
Negotiating your salary can feel daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can approach the conversation with confidence.
Before stepping into a negotiation, take time to practice your responses. Roleplaying with a friend, mentor, or even in front of a mirror can help you refine your tone and delivery. The more comfortable you are discussing salary, the more natural and self-assured you'll appear when speaking with a potential employer.
During the conversation, it's crucial to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude. Salary discussions should be collaborative rather than confrontational. Express gratitude for the offer while confidently advocating for fair compensation. Employers are more likely to respond positively if they see you as a team player rather than someone making demands.
As salary negotiation involving speaking with other humans, Paul says be prepared for a range of responses.
“If the employer declines your request for a higher salary, don’t be discouraged. Instead, ask if there is room for a salary review after the probation period or within six months. This keeps the door open for future discussions and demonstrates that you’re forward-thinking and committed to growth within the company.”
Finally, recognise when it’s time to walk away. If an offer is significantly below market value and the employer is unwilling to negotiate or offer other benefits, you may need to consider whether this role is truly the right fit for you. While it can be tempting to accept any offer, undervaluing yourself at the start of your career can have long-term financial implications.
Trust your research, know your worth, and don’t be afraid to seek out opportunities where your skills and contributions are genuinely valued.
How to negotiate your salary
Find a new role today
Understanding how to negotiate salary in NZ can help jobseekers secure fair pay and set a strong financial foundation for their careers.
Through researching salary trends, preparing a solid counteroffer, and using a well-crafted email, you can negotiate confidently and professionally.
If you're currently job hunting, take time to assess your worth and don’t hesitate to ask for what you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some salary negotiation tips?
Go into the conversation knowing your worth
Let the employer bring up salary first
Make a confident counteroffer and back it up with strong reasoning
Consider benefits beyond salary like flexible hours, learning and development and additional leave
Follow up in writing
When should I negotiate salary?
The best time to negotiate salary is after you’ve received a job offer but before you sign the contract. This is when you have the most leverage to discuss compensation.
What should I negotiate besides salary?
If the employer cannot increase the base salary, you can negotiate other benefits like:
Remote work options
Additional leave
Professional development funding
Performance-based bonuses
How do I respond to a low initial offer?
Here is an example of a response to a low initial offer: “Thank you for the offer. Based on my research and the market rate for similar roles, I was expecting something closer to [$X]. Would there be flexibility in adjusting the offer?”
How can I be confident when negotiating salary?
Confidence in salary negotiation comes from thorough preparation. Research the market rate for your role in New Zealan, understand your value and contributions, and practice articulating your worth. Knowing your bottom line and being prepared to walk away (if necessary) also strengthens your position and boosts confidence.
How to research salary expectations in New Zealand?
Refer to the Robert Half Salary Calculator for salary ranges in finance and technology in New Zealand. Our rigorous research and thorough analysis of our placements ensure that our Salary Calculator accurately reflects the New Zealand hiring market, so you can be comfortable making the right decisions.
How to ask for a higher salary?
"Thank you for the offer. I'm very excited about this opportunity at [Company Name]. Based on my research of similar roles in the Auckland area and my experience in [relevant skill/area], I was hoping for a salary in the range of $[X] to $[Y]. Is there any flexibility in the initial offer?"
"I appreciate you offering me the [Job Title] position. After reviewing the compensation, and considering my experience in [specific achievement] which aligns well with the requirements you've outlined, I was aiming for a base salary closer to $[Z]. Would you be open to discussing this further?"
What do employers expect during salary negotiations?
Employers typically expect candidates to be professional, respectful, and well-informed about market rates and their own value. They anticipate a clear rationale for a higher salary request, backed by skills and experience relevant to the role. While they aim to manage costs, they also want to secure the right talent and expect a candidate who understands the negotiation process is a normal part of hiring.
