We’ve seen it all. Some CVs stand out for the right reasons, some fall flat, and others make us wonder, “What story is this person trying to tell?” Whether you’re a developer in Auckland, a BA in Wellington, or an engineer in Hamilton, your CV is your first handshake with a potential employer. It can open doors or quietly close them before you even get a look-in. This isn’t theory. As recruiters, we’ve read thousands of CVs across New Zealand’s tech scene. Some make the shortlist straight away. Others lose us after a quick skim. Here’s what we’ve learned from years of experience helping candidates and hiring managers. Think of this as a behind-the-scenes look from people who read CVs every day.

When your delivery timelines are tight and your internal team’s at capacity, bringing in a contractor can be a smart, strategic call. Whether you're launching a high-impact initiative or need a specialist skill set fast, contractors provide flexibility without the long-term commitment. But there’s one question we often hear from Programme Managers and Heads of: “What should we be paying?” It’s a fair question, and there’s no blanket answer. Contractor rates in New Zealand vary based on market factors, capability, and demand. So, we’ve outlined a framework to help you confidently assess, benchmark, and negotiate contractor rates that make sense for both your project and your budget.