A well-crafted resume is essential for standing out in the competitive field of quantity surveying (QS). As a quantity surveyor, your resume should showcase your expertise in cost estimation, contract management, budgeting, and project coordination.
But how do you create a resume that highlights these skills effectively? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for crafting a successful QS resume and provide sample sections to help you get started.
We’ll share some success tips to boost your chances of landing your ideal QS role.
Why a Strong Resume Matters for Quantity Surveyors
Quantity surveying is a diverse field that requires a blend of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience. Recruiters in construction and real estate industries look for candidates who can demonstrate these competencies clearly and concisely. A strong resume not only helps showcase your skills but also gives recruiters a sense of your commitment, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex projects.
To help you create a resume that stands out, let’s explore key sections, sample templates, and success tips for crafting a winning QS resume.
Essential Sections in a Quantity Surveyor Resume
A quantity surveyor’s resume should be tailored to reflect both technical knowledge and practical experience. Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections that will make your resume compelling:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Key Skills
- Professional Experience
- Education
- Certifications and Training
- Projects or Case Studies (Optional)
Let’s look at each of these sections in detail, with sample content to inspire your own resume.
Contact Information
This section should be clear and concise, typically located at the top of the resume. Ensure all information is accurate and up to date.
Sample:
- Name: John Doe
- Phone: (123) 456-7890
- Email: john.doe@example.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
- Location: London, UK
Professional Summary
The professional summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. In a few sentences, highlight your experience, key strengths, and career goals. Tailor this section to reflect your expertise in quantity surveying.
Sample Summary: “Certified Quantity Surveyor with over 5 years of experience in construction project management, cost estimation, and contract negotiation. Skilled in applying cost-saving techniques and proficient in software tools like AutoCAD, BIM, and CostX. Demonstrated track record of managing budgets effectively on projects worth up to $10 million. Looking to leverage my expertise to contribute to dynamic, large-scale projects.”
Key Skills
List your most relevant skills in a separate section. Focus on technical abilities, software proficiencies, and soft skills that are essential in the quantity surveying profession.
Sample Key Skills:
- Cost Estimation & Budgeting
- Contract Management & Negotiation
- Project Coordination & Scheduling
- Risk Assessment & Cost Control
- Proficient in AutoCAD, CostX, and MS Project
- Excellent Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Knowledge of RICS Standards & Procedures
Professional Experience
In the professional experience section, detail your previous roles and achievements. Use bullet points to highlight specific accomplishments, metrics, and responsibilities that demonstrate your value as a quantity surveyor.
Sample Professional Experience:
Senior Quantity Surveyor
ABC Construction Ltd., London, UK
June 2019 – Present
- Managed cost estimation and budgeting for multiple construction projects, totaling £8 million in budget.
- Reduced project costs by 10% through the use of effective negotiation strategies and resource allocation.
- Conducted regular site visits to assess project progress, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and quality standards.
- Collaborated with the project management team on cost planning and forecasting to optimize resource use and reduce delays.
Quantity Surveyor
XYZ Builders Inc., London, UK
July 2016 – May 2019
- Delivered cost control measures that saved 15% on materials and labor by analyzing and improving project timelines.
- Assisted in contract negotiation and administration, including preparing tender documents and evaluating contractor bids.
- Implemented software tools (AutoCAD and MS Project) for cost tracking and progress reporting, reducing time spent on administrative tasks by 20%.
Education
The education section should include details about your academic background, including your degree, university, and graduation date.
Sample Education Section:
- Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
University of Manchester, UK – Graduated: June 2016
Certifications and Training
Certifications can add credibility to your resume. List any relevant certifications, such as RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) membership, BIM training, or other specialized coursework.
Sample Certifications and Training:
- MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) – Completed in 2018
- Certified Project Manager (CPM) – Issued by the Project Management Institute, 2019
- BIM Training – Completed at London Technical Institute, 2020
Projects or Case Studies (Optional)
Including a “Projects” section can add a valuable dimension to your resume by providing concrete examples of your work. This section is especially beneficial if you have worked on notable projects or if you are a recent graduate with project-based experience.
Sample Projects Section:
Project: Residential Housing Development
Role: Quantity Surveyor
Duration: January 2020 – December 2020
- Managed cost estimation, budgeting, and financial reporting for a 100-unit residential development valued at £5 million.
- Coordinated with the project management team to ensure on-time project delivery while staying 7% under budget.
Success Tips for a Quantity Surveyor Resume
Creating a strong resume goes beyond listing your qualifications. Follow these success tips to ensure your resume leaves a lasting impression:
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
Customize your resume for each job by emphasizing the skills and experiences that match the job description. Focus on highlighting your abilities in areas like cost control, contract management, and budgeting.
Quantify Your Achievements
Where possible, include quantifiable results to show the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying “Managed project budgets,” say “Managed project budgets up to £10 million, achieving cost savings of 15%.”
Use Action Verbs
Action verbs like “managed,” “coordinated,” “analyzed,” and “reduced” make your resume more engaging and impactful. Avoid passive language, and start each bullet point with a strong verb.
Focus on Relevant Skills
Make sure to emphasize technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, cost estimation, risk assessment) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork). These are crucial for success as a quantity surveyor.
Keep It Concise
Hiring managers often review numerous resumes, so aim to keep yours concise and to the point. Use bullet points for clarity, and limit your resume to one or two pages.
Show Your Knowledge of Industry Standards
Mentioning certifications and familiarity with standards like RICS shows your commitment to the profession and your adherence to industry best practices.
Include Keywords
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. Be sure to include relevant keywords from the job description, such as “cost estimation,” “project management,” or “budgeting,” to improve your chances of passing the initial screening.
Sample Quantity Surveyor Resume Template
Here’s a sample resume template to help you organize your content:
John Doe
London, UK | (123) 456-7890 | john.doe@example.com | linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Professional Summary
Certified Quantity Surveyor with over 5 years of experience in cost estimation, budgeting, and contract management. Proven track record of reducing project costs and delivering on-time results. Seeking to bring expertise to a forward-thinking construction company.
Key Skills
- Cost Estimation & Budgeting
- Contract Management
- Project Scheduling
- AutoCAD, CostX, MS Project
- Stakeholder Communication
Professional Experience
Senior Quantity Surveyor
ABC Construction Ltd., London, UK
June 2019 – Present
- Managed budgets totaling £8 million.
- Reduced project costs by 10%.
- Ensured quality compliance.
Quantity Surveyor
XYZ Builders Inc., London, UK
July 2016 – May 2019
- Saved 15% on materials and labor.
- Administered contracts and prepared tender documents.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
University of Manchester, UK – June 2016
Certifications
- MRICS (Member of RICS)
- Certified Project Manager (CPM)
Crafting a Winning QS Resume
A well-structured resume, tailored to the role you’re applying for, can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. By following the steps outlined above and applying our success tips, you can create a resume that captures your expertise and makes you stand out as a qualified quantity surveyor.
Ready to elevate your skills and boost your career in quantity surveying?
Enroll in our Quantity Surveying Course Online for hands-on training, industry insights, and expert guidance to help you succeed.
Start your journey toward becoming a skilled quantity surveyor today!
