While people in New Zealand are generally well paid, you will most likely find that your salary on a dollar-for-dollar basis will be lower in New Zealand. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and salary needs to be viewed in the context of cost of living differences and lifestyle benefits.
New Zealand businesses are much smaller than their US counterparts - even some of our large businesses would fall into the US definition of a small business (500 or fewer employees). So, while salaries may not be as high as those in corporate America, you may find that you have access to decision makers that you may not have had in the US. If you are looking for a more varied set of tasks and the ability to have more of a say in decisions and your ideas listened to, then the New Zealand work environment could be the place for you.
Two terms you will need to know for your job search are ‘curriculum vitae’
(CV) and ‘referee’
. Your CV is your resume and your referees are your references. And don’t be surprised if a New Zealand employer actually calls your referees.
Looking for more information? Go to our opportunities section.