How to Write a Quantity Surveyor CV: Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

A quantity surveyor (QS) is essential in the construction and engineering sectors, managing costs and ensuring projects stay within budget. With the rising demand for infrastructure development, the role of quantity surveyors has become one of the most in-demand positions in the UK for 2024.

This profession attracts detail-orientated individuals with strong analytical skills who thrive in dynamic environments. Quantity surveyors work across various industries, including architecture, real estate and civil engineering. Crafting a professional CV is crucial for aspiring QS professionals to capture the attention of potential employers in these competitive sectors.

In this article, we guide you on how to write a good CV, showcasing industry-relevant examples and a high-quality CV template. We also provide tips to ensure your modern CV is applicant tracking system friendly and meets recruitment standards.

In this article, we cover:

• What to include in a quantity surveyor CV.

• Personal profile and work experience example entries.

• Step-by-step guide to building a quantity surveyor CV.

• Best CV tips for a quantity surveyor with no experience.

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Quantity surveyor CV example

Nasir Ahmed, a quantity surveyor with 10 years of experience, chose the Auckland CV template to highlight his extensive experience. He adeptly blends crucial technical skills with in-demand soft skills, whilst taking the reader on a clear journey through his work history and professional accreditations.

What to include in a quantity surveyor CV? 

Creating a compelling CV is essential for quantity surveyors given the cross-industry demand for their skills. Since you'll likely apply to various roles throughout your career, it's beneficial to create a master CV. This comprehensive document, listing all your qualifications, experiences and skills, can be tailored for each job application.

Remember, if you’re sending applications out via email, a quality CV needs an equally top-notch cover letter. Take a look at our CV cover letter examples for inspiration.

Core elements of a quantity surveyor CV

1. Personal details and contact information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and professional.

2. Personal profile: Craft a concise, impactful summary highlighting your experience, key skills, and career aspirations. Tailor this section to reflect the specific requirements of each job application.

3. Key skills: List skills relevant to quantity surveying, such as cost management, contract administration, project management and proficiency in software like AutoCAD or CostX. Highlight both technical and soft skills, including communication and negotiation.

4. Work experience: Detail your professional experience in reverse chronological order. Focus on responsibilities and achievements that demonstrate your expertise in quantity surveying. Use quantifiable metrics to show your impact, such as cost savings achieved or project budgets managed.

5. Education: Include your academic qualifications, starting with the most recent. Mention relevant degrees, such as a BSc in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management, and any notable academic achievements.

6. Certifications and training: Highlight professional certifications, such as MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Include relevant training and courses that enhance your QS expertise.

7. Professional memberships: Memberships in professional organisations like RICS or CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) are crucial. They demonstrate your commitment to the field and provide networking opportunities.

8. Additional sections: Consider adding sections on languages spoken, technical skills or any awards and recognitions that will differentiate you from other candidates.

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How to write a quantity surveyor CV: 5 steps with examples

1. What are the important skills for a quantity surveyor to have on a CV? 

In this competitive job market, correctly listing skills on a CV for a quantity surveyor is crucial. Even though recruiters often scan for specific hard skills; your soft skills shouldn’t be overlooked. Soft skills are showcased in your personal profile and work experience sections, whilst hard skills should be listed in a clear and concise list.

Top five skills for a quantity surveyor

1. Cost management: The ability to estimate, monitor, and control project costs to ensure projects are completed within budget.

2. Contract administration: Expertise in preparing, negotiating, and managing contracts throughout a project lifecycle.

3. Project management: Proficiency in planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

4. Risk management: Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies, ensuring project continuity and success.

5. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, clients, and team members.

If you’re looking for inspiration from careers with similar skill profiles, read our CV example articles for procurement, urban designer, electrical engineer, or supply chain manager.

2. How to write a personal profile for a quantity surveyor CV

This crucial part of your CV offers a snapshot of who you are and what you bring. By writing a personal profile on a CV that highlights your soft skills and your unique professional offer, you can make a strong first impression on potential employers.

For quantity surveyors, this section is an opportunity to showcase not only your core strengths but also your passion for construction as well as soft skills like your ability to manage client relationships and communicate effectively.

Refer to the graduate CV example for more insights into writing a CV after university.

3. How to include practical work experience 

In quantity surveying, extensive on-site experience is essential for developing the practical and interpersonal skills that QS firms are demanding. While completing a relevant degree provides a solid foundation, hands-on experience in the field is crucial for demonstrating your capability. Correctly compiling your work experience in your CV can effectively showcase your duties and achievements, helping you stand out to potential employers.

Similar to a financial analyst, consultant or project manager, the best way to format your work experience is to start with a short paragraph using action verbs to outline your key responsibilities, carefully integrating notable soft skills. Follow this with two bullet points highlighting your quantifiable achievements in the role.

Quantity surveyor CV work experience examples 

Assistant quantity surveyor | Pednt Construction Ltd, London | 2021 – Present

Assist in the preparation of cost estimates and budgets for residential and commercial projects. Support senior surveyors in contract administration and procurement. Engage with clients and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and project updates. Conduct site visits to monitor progress and address any issues.

• Helped reduce project costs by 15% through efficient budget management.

• Improved client satisfaction scores by 20% through proactive communication and timely updates.

Building quantity surveyor | Quantity with Quality, Manchester | 2016 – 2021

Managed the budgeting and cost control for multiple building projects, from initial estimates to final accounts. Negotiated contracts with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring cost-effective procurement. Regularly liaised with clients, architects and engineers to ensure project requirements were met and deadlines adhered to. Conducted detailed site inspections to verify work quality.

• Successfully completed projects within budget, saving an average of 10% per project.

• Enhanced supplier negotiations, leading to a 12% reduction in material costs.

Junior quantity surveyor | Richard Parker Developments, Birmingham | 2021 – 2023

Assisted in the development of cost plans and financial forecasts for construction projects. Supported senior staff in the preparation of tender documents and evaluation of bids. Conducted cost analysis and feasibility studies to determine project viability. Maintained accurate records of project expenditures and progress reports.

• Contributed to a 20% increase in project efficiency by implementing cost-saving measures.

• Assisted in securing new contracts worth over £2 million through effective bid preparation.

Quantity surveyor | Solidarity Construction, Leeds | 2015 – Present

Led the financial management of construction projects, overseeing budget preparation, cost control and final account settlements. Negotiated and managed contracts with suppliers, subcontractors and clients. Conducted risk assessments and developed strategies to mitigate potential financial impacts. Maintained strong client relationships and ensured all project objectives were met.

• Achieved a 25% reduction in project costs through strategic procurement and contract negotiations.

• Increased client retention rates by 30% by delivering projects on time and within budget.

Quantity surveyor CV work experience example with little to no experience

Most job descriptions in quantity surveying require previous experience. If you are entering the industry as a recent graduate or a student with little to no experience, consider work shadowing, volunteering or leveraging practical projects from your degree, apprenticeship or graduate scheme.

Graduate quantity surveyor | Apprenticeship and Training Experience | 2021 – 2024

Gained hands-on experience in cost estimation and budget preparation through an apprenticeship program. Assisted in developing tender documents and evaluating contractor bids as part of a practical project. Conducted site visits during training to observe construction progress and learn about project management. Collaborated with peers and mentors to address cost-related challenges and ensure efficient project execution.

• Developed a cost-saving proposal designed to reduce projected expenses by 8%.

• Completed a comprehensive training program on cost management and contract administration.

Read our tips on entering the workforce after graduating for a smooth transition.

4. How to include education on a quantity surveyor CV 

Clearly outlining your education on your CV not only demonstrates your professional qualifications but also highlights your commitment to the field and your strong work ethic.

In the UK, the generally accepted minimum education requirement for a quantity surveyor role is a university degree in quantity surveying, a degree in a related field or an apprenticeship. Each will require a minimum of five GCSEs graded A* - C plus A-Levels.

How to format education of a quantity surveyor CV

University degree:

BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying | Liverpool Mersey University | 2024

Apprenticeship:

Level 6 Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship | College of Estate Management | 2023

School leaver

A-Levels | Country Durham College | 2012 – 2014

• Mathematics (A), Physics (A), Chemistry (B)

GCSEs | Cunningham High School | 2010 – 2012

• 10 GCSEs including Mathematics (A), Physics (A), English (B)

Refer to the school leaver CV example for more insights.

5. How to add additional relevant CV sections 

Including additional information gives hiring managers a look into what kind of person they are hiring. Be sure to keep these relevant as this is also an opportunity to show your fit for the role. Think about professional memberships, courses and certificates as well as hobbies and interests.

Hobbies:

Mathematics, Puzzles, Cycling, Architecture and Design

Certificates and Memberships: 

Project Management | PRINCE2

Practitioner Knowledge Academy | 2021

Chartered Quantity Surveyor, RICS | 2016

Be sure to read our blog on how long your CV should be to maintain conciseness and clarity.

How to write a quantity surveyor CV with little to no experience 

If you are just starting out in this field, follow these tips to write a quantity surveyor CV with limited experience. Remember, you should feel encouraged to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria on the job advert!

1. Create a personal profile: Create a compelling personal statement reflecting your keen interest in construction and quantity surveying. Highlight sought-after soft skills like communication and project management. 

2. Emphasise soft skills in work experience: Focus on relevant university projects, internships or work shadowing. Highlight any time you demonstrated cost or risk management, teamwork or problem-solving. Consider using a skills-based CV format to showcase your skills over experience.

3. Highlight technical skills: List any software tools or systems you are familiar with that are relevant to quantity surveying, such as Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD and CostX.

4. Educational coursework and projects: Detail your educational background, focusing on relevant subjects such as construction economics, business management or mathematics. Highlight specific projects or coursework.

Key takeaways 

Let’s take a step back and look at the five key takeaways for creating a winning CV for a quantity surveyor.

1. Tailor your CV for each job: Create a master CV to compile all your qualifications, experiences and skills, then refine it for each specific job application to ensure relevance and focus.

2. Showcase key skills: List both hard and soft skills relevant to quantity surveying, ensuring they stand out in your CV to meet the specific requirements of potential employers.

3. Craft a strong personal profile: Write a compelling personal profile that highlights your passion for construction, your unique professional strengths and relevant soft skills.

4. Detail work experience effectively: Format your work experience to include a concise summary of duties with quantifiable achievements, demonstrating your practical skills and contributions to previous projects. Refer to the chronological CV format for more tips.

5. Highlight education and training: Clearly outline your educational background, including degrees, apprenticeships and certifications, to underscore your professional qualifications and commitment to the field.

Next steps?

Iron out any creases using our intuitive CV maker with 20+ CV templates and professional designs to choose from. To accompany your CV, follow these tips on how to start your cover letter along with a compelling cover letter templates. If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, connect with our professional CV Writing Service. Stay organised in your job search with our tips on how to track job applications and get ready for your interview with good questions to ask in an interview.

FAQs 

What does a quantity surveyor do?

A quantity surveyor manages construction project costs, ensuring projects stay within budget. They handle cost estimation, contract administration and risk management, working closely with clients and contractors.

How to become a quantity surveyor without a degree in the UK?

You can become a quantity surveyor through apprenticeships, on-the-job training or completing relevant certifications like those from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Are quantity surveyors in demand in the UK?

Yes, quantity surveyors are in high demand in the UK due to increasing infrastructure and construction projects, making it one of the most sought-after professions for 2024.

How much does a quantity surveyor earn?

A quantity surveyor in the UK typically earns between £25,000 and £70,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications and location.

What qualifications do I need to become a quantity surveyor?

A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related field is typical. Alternatively, apprenticeships and certifications from bodies like RICS can also qualify you.