Over 42,000 Quantity Surveyor roles were advertised on CV Library alone last year – that’s more than 100 new jobs every day. It’s a great time to be a Quantity Surveyor in the housebuilding and property industry. But when opportunities are everywhere, the real challenge is choosing the right one and making sure you’re ready for it. That’s what sets strong candidates apart.
what’s one thing a QS candidate can do before an interview that instantly sets them apart?
If you’re an experienced Quantity Surveyor looking for a career change, revisit your past projects from the last five years and get to know the numbers. This level of preparation shows diligence and attention to detail. Know the key figures like overall project value, number of units, cost of specific work packages (e.g., groundwork, drylining), and any standout metrics. You don’t need to account for every penny, but demonstrating a solid grasp of the financial details shows a professional and thorough approach. – Dan Harrington, Associate Director, tdm recruitment
when discussing past projects, what’s the best way for a QS to make their experience stand out?
Your people skills are just as important as your technical ability. The success of negotiating with suppliers, agreeing payments timelines with subcontractors, and managing stakeholder expectations all depends on how you communicate. Things in construction don’t always go to plan, so being able to talk about how you handled a tricky situation or worked well under pressure can help your experience stand out. – Dan Harrington, Associate Director, tdm recruitment
how can QSs show they’re the right fit for a team, not just technically qualified?
A good QS is more than a cost controller, they’re part estimator, part project manager, and part problem-solver. How you communicate, how you carry yourself, how you adapt all says a lot about how you’ll fit in. Not every company will be the right match but look for shared values and show that you can work with different types of people. That’s what being a good team player means. – Dan Harrington, Associate Director, tdm recruitment
what’s your biggest piece of advice for QSs who are exploring new opportunities right now?
Whether you’re new in the industry or just ready for a change, being clear on what you want goes a long way. Maybe it’s progression, more responsibility, better support, or just a change of pace – whatever it is, don’t be afraid to talk about it. If you’re working towards a qualification or have long-term goals, bring that up too. Employers want to see intent. Asking about how a company supports development or what the next few years might look like shows that you’re thinking beyond just landing the job. – Dan Harrington, Associate Director, tdm recruitment
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