Interview Questions for Quantity surveyor: A Recruiter's Guide

This comprehensive guide compiles insights from professional recruiters, hiring managers, and industry experts on interviewing Quantity surveyor candidates. We've analyzed hundreds of real interviews and consulted with HR professionals to bring you the most effective questions and evaluation criteria.

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is responsible for managing all aspects of the contractual and financial side of construction projects. This role involves cost estimation, budgeting, procurement, and managing finances throughout the construction process to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. Quantity Surveyors play a key role in liaising with clients, architects, engineers, and contractors, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and legal obligations are met. Based on current job market analysis and industry standards, successful Quantity surveyors typically demonstrate:

• Cost estimation, Budget management, Contract law knowledge, Project management, Negotiation skills, Risk assessment, Value engineering
• Typically, 2-5 years of experience in quantity surveying, construction estimating, or a related field is required, with proficiency in using QS software and tools.
• Analytical thinking, Attention to detail, Excellent communication skills, Problem-solving ability, Adaptability, Integrity

According to recent market data, the typical salary range for this position is $60,000 - $100,000, with Moderate to High demand in the market.

Industry-standard screening questions used by hiring teams:

• What attracted you to the Quantity surveyor role?
• Walk me through your relevant experience in Construction and Engineering.
• What's your current notice period?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Are you actively interviewing elsewhere?

These questions are compiled from technical interviews and hiring manager feedback:

• Explain the difference between bill of quantities and schedule of rates.
• How do you approach cost control during a project?
• What methods do you use for cost estimation?
• Describe a time when you identified a significant cost saving in a project.

• Proficiency in quantity surveying software (e.g. CostX, Buildertrend)
• Understanding of construction processes and methodologies
• Accuracy in cost estimations
• Ability to manage project changes and variations

• Failing to provide detailed explanations of technical terms or processes
• Underestimating costs or timelines during assessments
• Not demonstrating a clear grasp of contract law and financial management principles

Based on research and expert interviews, these behavioral questions are most effective:

• Describe a challenging project you managed and how you overcame the obstacles.
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Give an example of a time when you had to negotiate with a client or contractor.
• Describe a situation where your analytical skills helped solve a project issue.

This comprehensive guide to Quantity surveyor interview questions reflects current industry standards and hiring practices. While every organization has its unique hiring process, these questions and evaluation criteria serve as a robust framework for both hiring teams and candidates.