A well-crafted CV is a crucial tool in securing your next job in quantity surveying. It not only highlights your skills and experience but also showcases your attention to detail—an essential trait for any quantity surveyor. From formatting and structure to choosing the right keywords, a CV that stands out can make a significant difference in landing interviews and progressing in your career.
We’ll walk you through the essential tips for creating a winning quantity surveyor CV, complete with a sample layout to guide you. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, this guide will help you create a CV that reflects your strengths and maximizes your chances of success.
Choose the Right CV Format
Your CV format should be clean, easy to read, and professional. Employers in quantity surveying are looking for candidates who are organized and detail-oriented, so your CV should reflect these qualities. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most effective CV formats:
- Chronological CV: Lists your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent job. This is ideal if you have a solid work history in quantity surveying.
- Functional CV: Focuses on skills and qualifications rather than work experience. This can be useful if you’re switching careers or have limited experience in quantity surveying.
- Combination CV: Combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats, making it versatile and suitable for candidates at any career stage.
Choose the format that best showcases your skills and experience. For most quantity surveyor roles, a chronological CV is the preferred format, as it highlights your progression and practical experience in the field.
Start with a Strong Personal Statement
A personal statement or profile is the first section a recruiter will see, so make it count. This section should be a concise paragraph summarizing your experience, skills, and what you bring to the role.
Example of a Strong Personal Statement:
“Experienced quantity surveyor with over five years of experience in managing budgets, preparing cost estimates, and coordinating with stakeholders on major construction projects. Skilled in cost control, project management, and contract negotiation, with a proven track record of ensuring project success within budget. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to driving efficiency and value for all projects.”
Tips for Writing a Strong Personal Statement:
- Keep it short—about 3-4 sentences.
- Focus on your main strengths and relevant skills.
- Use quantifiable achievements if possible (e.g., “reduced project costs by 15%”).
- Mention specific industry-related skills like cost control or contract management.
Highlight Key Skills
Your skills section is an opportunity to showcase the abilities that make you a standout quantity surveyor. Include a mix of technical and soft skills that are relevant to quantity surveying. Here are some examples:
- Technical Skills: Cost management software (e.g., CostX, Bluebeam), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Microsoft Excel, contract negotiation, construction law.
- Soft Skills: Communication, negotiation, problem-solving, analytical skills, project management.
Make sure to tailor your skills to the job description, focusing on those that align most closely with the position you’re applying for. This can help you get through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and make a positive impression on recruiters.
List Your Relevant Work Experience
Your work experience section is the core of your CV, especially if you’re applying for a role as a quantity surveyor. Follow a reverse-chronological order, listing your most recent position first. For each role, include your job title, company name, and the dates of employment, followed by a bullet-pointed list of responsibilities and accomplishments.
Example Work Experience Entry:
Senior Quantity Surveyor
ABC Construction Ltd, London
March 2018 – Present
- Managed project budgets and cost estimates for commercial and residential projects, ensuring all costs remained within approved limits.
- Coordinated with contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders, achieving a 20% cost reduction through effective negotiation and project oversight.
- Conducted risk assessments and implemented cost-saving measures, resulting in enhanced project efficiency.
- Prepared tender documents, contracts, and financial reports to support project planning and decision-making.
Tips for Listing Work Experience:
- Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., “reduced costs by 20%”).
- Focus on responsibilities that are directly relevant to quantity surveying.
- Avoid listing unrelated jobs or experiences, as they can clutter your CV and distract from your qualifications.
Education and Certifications
The education section is particularly important if you hold degrees or certifications relevant to quantity surveying. Include your degree(s), school name, and graduation date, and list any relevant coursework if applicable.
- Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
University of XYZ, 2014 – 2018 - Professional Certifications: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), or any other relevant certifications.
Certifications, especially those recognized by industry authorities like RICS, add value to your CV and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Include Notable Projects or Achievements
Adding a section for notable projects or specific achievements can make your CV stand out. Describe key projects you’ve worked on, emphasizing your role, the project outcome, and any notable successes.
Example of a Project Entry:
Project: Downtown Commercial Complex
Role: Lead Quantity Surveyor
Outcome: Successfully completed a £5 million project within budget and two weeks ahead of schedule by implementing strategic cost control measures and maintaining clear communication with the project team.
Highlighting these accomplishments can show potential employers that you have practical experience in managing and delivering projects.
Professional Affiliations
Memberships in professional organizations demonstrate your commitment to the industry and give your CV added credibility. Include memberships with organizations such as:
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Association of Cost Engineers (ACE)
Affiliations like these indicate that you are engaged with the professional community and stay updated on industry trends.
Tailor Your CV to the Job Description
Tailoring your CV for each job application may seem time-consuming, but it’s a crucial step. Carefully review the job description and adjust your CV to highlight the skills, experience, and qualifications that align with the specific role.
For example, if the job description emphasizes contract management and negotiation, make sure these skills are prominently featured in your personal statement, skills section, and work experience. This practice can help you pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
Proofread and Format for Clarity
As a quantity surveyor, attention to detail is a key skill, and your CV should reflect this. Errors in your CV can give a poor impression, so make sure you review it carefully. Look out for spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes, and ensure that everything is consistent.
Formatting Tips:
- Use a simple, professional font such as Arial or Calibri, size 10-12.
- Use bullet points for easy readability.
- Keep margins consistent and ensure adequate spacing.
- Save your CV as a PDF to prevent formatting issues when it’s viewed by potential employers.
Sample CV Layout for a Quantity Surveyor
[Your Name]
[Your Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Personal Statement
Experienced quantity surveyor with expertise in cost management, contract negotiation, and project oversight. Over five years in the construction industry, delivering cost-effective and efficient solutions for commercial and residential projects.
Key Skills
- Cost Management Software: CostX, Bluebeam
- Project Management & Coordination
- Contract Negotiation and Construction Law
- Communication and Negotiation
Work Experience
Senior Quantity Surveyor
ABC Construction Ltd, London
March 2018 – Present
- Managed project budgets and performed detailed cost analyses.
- Negotiated with contractors, achieving a 20% cost reduction on major projects.
- Conducted risk assessments and implemented cost-saving measures.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
University of XYZ, 2014 – 2018
Professional Certifications: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
Professional Affiliations
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Conclusion
Writing a strong quantity surveyor CV takes time and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can create a professional CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements in a clear and impactful way.
Remember to tailor your CV for each application, keeping it concise and focused on the qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the role.
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