Writing your CV concisely, but with all the key details is crucial to help secure yourself an interview, as it’s the first thing a potential employer will read at the start of your job searching phase.
You may already know how to write a good CV, or what you should include such as a professional summary, education and personal information. However, as a Quantity Surveyor there are a few key points you should add and are essential to make your profile and experience stand out against other applicants and help your chances of securing that interview.
With over 18 years experience working with Quantity Surveyors across all levels of seniority and sectors, here's what we suggest you include on your CV if you're looking for a new Quantity Surveyor role.
List key projects you've worked on as a Quantity Surveyor
Alongside your experience at each employer, it is important to highlight which projects you have worked on as a Quantity Surveyor alongside its size, budget and duration. This is crucial, especially if it is high profile or value, or if it was a complex project to work on. Key projects will likely stand out to those reading your CV, especially if the hiring manager has also worked on that project at some point which can be a great conversation starter in an interview- creating common ground. For example, listing that you’ve worked on HS2, and the section you were involved with can help to elevate your CV as a Quantity Surveyor.
Contract forms
It may seem obvious, but some Quantity Surveyors do miss this vital information off. Writing down the contracts you have worked on instantly stands out as they are recognisable. Also hiring managers will look for these when scanning your CV, as it will help the hiring manager to identify if you are going to be suitable for the job, as certain contract experience is crucial for the role. Examples of these would be NEC3/4, JCT or NR.
Quantity Surveyor specific achievements
Showcasing your key achievements as a Quantity Surveyor for each employment, alongside any qualifications you’ve gained along the way is crucial information on a CV. This can include degrees, Charterships and any other qualifications you achieved throughout your career as a Quantity Surveyor. It’s also important to highlight any quantifiable achievements you’ve had whilst working on a project, which will demonstrate your expertise in cost saving or any other tangibles.
Add numbers
Whether that’s a value of a project or the cost you’ve saved a business, these all show quantifiable results. Numbers stand out on a CV, and really help to show the impact you’ve had on a particular project. Numbers will also set you apart from another Quantity Surveyor who is also applying for the job, as their descriptions may be more generalised, whereas you are clearly highlighting your track record by tangible results and numbers stand out when glancing over a CV. As you’ll know, Quantity Surveying and numbers go hand in hand so use them on your CV!
Key skills you possess as a Quantity Surveyor
It is important to highlight your key skills, especially throughout your career as a Quantity Surveyor. This can be anything from tender management, to cost variations, or risk management. All the important skills you’ve learnt at each employer needs to be added onto your CV, ideally somewhere towards the top of the page.
Of course you will talk through these at interview stage, but by not listing them on your CV in the first place could decrease your chances of securing an interview.
Alongside all these points, don't miss out the basics of CV writing, such as:
Listing your employment from most recent at the top, and oldest at the bottom.
Include contact details
Clear formatting, so that your CV is easy to read for the hiring manager
Adding a personal overview at the top, outlining your overall experience
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