How to write a Quantity Surveyor (QS) CV that gets interviews
Stand out to recruiters with a strategically crafted CV. Learn exactly what hiring managers look for, which keywords get past Applicant Tracking Systems, and how to showcase your experience like a top candidate.
Scan your CV freeSign up free · No card needed · Free trial on all plans
Understanding the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role
A Quantity Surveyor (QS) in the UK works across Quantity surveying practices, Building contractors and developers, Project management companies and similar organisations, using tools like CostX, RICS guidance notes, NRM pricing documents, Causeway, Microsoft Project on a daily basis. The role sits within the construction & built environment sector and involves a mix of technical work, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving. It's a career that rewards both deep specialist knowledge and the ability to collaborate across teams.
Quantity surveyors typically have a degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related subject (3 years). Graduates enter as trainees and work towards RICS membership, completing the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence)—typically 2 years structured learning and assessment. RICS accreditation is the professional standard and essential for progressing beyond junior roles. Some enter with construction or engineering degrees and pursue QS qualifications. Progression depends on experience with major projects, technical competence, and professional development.
Day to day, quantity surveyor (qs)s are expected to manage competing priorities, stay current with industry developments, and deliver measurable results. The role has grown significantly in recent years as demand for construction & built environment professionals continues to rise across the UK job market.
Drop your CV here
Supports PDF and Word documents (.docx)
What they actually do
A day in the life of a Quantity Surveyor (QS)
Estimate project costs and prepare budgets, using CostX, pricing databases, and project specifications to develop detailed cost plans.
Manage project budgets and financial performance, tracking spend, managing variations, and reporting financial progress.
Prepare cost plans and financial reports, communicating costs and risks to clients and stakeholders.
Advise on procurement strategy, tendering, and value for money (VfM), supporting efficient project delivery.
Manage contracts and commercial relationships with contractors and suppliers, managing claims and disputes.
What employers look for
Quantity surveyors typically have a degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related subject (3 years). Graduates enter as trainees and work towards RICS membership, completing the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence)—typically 2 years structured learning and assessment. RICS accreditation is the professional standard and essential for progressing beyond junior roles. Some enter with construction or engineering degrees and pursue QS qualifications. Progression depends on experience with major projects, technical competence, and professional development. Relevant certifications include RICS Membership (MRICS), RICS Accreditation (APC - Assessment of Professional Competence), NRM (New Rules of Measurement) training. Employers increasingly value practical experience alongside formal qualifications, so internships, placements, and portfolio work can be just as important as academic credentials.
CV writing guide
How to structure your Quantity Surveyor (QS) CV
A strong Quantity Surveyor (QS) CV leads with measurable achievements in construction & built environment. Hiring managers scan for evidence of impact — concrete outcomes, project scale, and stakeholder impact. Mirror the language from the job description, particularly around Cost estimation and planning, Budget management and control, Project costing, Procurement and tendering. Two pages maximum, clean layout, ATS-parseable.
Professional summary
Open with 2–3 lines that position you specifically as a quantity surveyor (qs). Mention your years of experience, key specialisms (e.g. CostX, RICS guidance notes, NRM pricing documents), and what you're targeting next. Mention the scale of your responsibilities — team sizes, budgets, or project values.
Key skills
List 8–10 skills matching the job description. For quantity surveyor (qs) roles, prioritise CostX, RICS guidance notes, NRM pricing documents, Causeway alongside stakeholder management, project delivery, and domain expertise. Use the exact phrasing from the job ad for ATS matching.
Work experience
Lead every bullet with a strong action verb: delivered, managed, improved, led, developed. "Delivered £150k in cost savings through supplier renegotiation" beats "Responsible for procurement". Show progression between roles — promotions and increasing responsibility tell a story.
Education & qualifications
Include your highest qualification, institution, and dates. Add relevant certifications like RICS Membership (MRICS) or RICS Accreditation (APC - Assessment of Professional Competence). If you're early in your career, put education before experience; otherwise, experience comes first.
Formatting
Use a clean, single-column layout. Avoid graphics, tables, and text boxes — ATS systems reject them. Save as PDF unless the application specifically requests Word.
ATS keywords
Keywords that get your CV shortlisted
75% of CVs never reach human eyes. Applicant Tracking Systems filter candidates automatically. These keywords help you get past the bots and in front of hiring managers.
The formula for success
What makes a Quantity Surveyor (QS) CV stand out
Quantify achievements
Replace "responsible for" with numbers. "Increased sales by 34%" beats "drove revenue growth" every time.
Mirror the job description
Use the exact language from the job posting. Hiring managers search for specific terms—match them naturally throughout.
Keep formatting clean
ATS systems struggle with graphics and complex layouts. Stick to clear structure, consistent fonts, and sensible spacing.
Lead with impact
Put achievements first. Your role summary should be a punchy summary of impact, not a job description.
Mistakes to avoid
Quantity Surveyor (QS) CV mistakes that cost interviews
Even excellent candidates get filtered out for small oversights. Here's what to watch out for.
Using a generic CV that doesn't mention quantity surveyor (qs)-specific skills like CostX, RICS guidance notes, NRM pricing documents
Listing duties instead of achievements — "Delivered £150k in cost savings through supplier renegotiation"" vs the vague alternative
Including a photo or personal details like date of birth — UK CVs shouldn't have either
Exceeding two pages — recruiters spend 6–8 seconds on initial screening, so density kills your chances
Omitting certifications like RICS Membership (MRICS) that signal credibility to construction & built environment hiring managers
Technical toolkit
Essential skills for Quantity Surveyor (QS) roles
Recruiters scan for these skills first. Make sure each is represented in your work history and highlighted clearly.
Questions about Quantity Surveyor (QS) CVs
What degree do I need to become a quantity surveyor?
An RICS-accredited degree in Quantity Surveying is the standard route (3 years). Alternative RICS-accredited degrees in Construction Management, Building Surveying, or Civil Engineering are also viable. After graduation, you pursue RICS membership through the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence)—typically 2 years of structured learning and work. Some enter with non-accredited degrees and pursue alternative pathways, but RICS accreditation is increasingly essential.
What's RICS membership and why is it important?
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the professional body for surveyors and QS. MRICS (Member) is the standard professional qualification. You require RICS membership for client credibility and progression to senior roles. The APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) is the pathway to membership—typically 2 years of structured learning, mentoring, and assessment. Most QS pursue RICS membership within 5 years of graduating.
What's the difference between QS and project manager roles?
QS focuses on financial management—budgets, costs, procurement, contracts. Project managers focus on scheduling, quality, site management, overall delivery. Both are essential on major projects; often different people. QS expertise is financial and commercial; PM expertise is scheduling and site delivery. Some senior roles combine both. Early in career, you typically specialise; many transition between roles with experience.
How important are BIM and digital skills?
Increasingly important. BIM (Building Information Modelling) models contain cost data; QS must extract, analyse, and interpret cost information from BIM. CostX and similar tools now integrate with BIM. Digital literacy is essential. Early in your career, develop BIM competency—it's a differentiator. Most forward-thinking practices expect QS to work with BIM models and digital tools.
What's the typical career path for a quantity surveyor?
Graduate Trainee (0-2 years) → Quantity Surveyor / MRICS (2-5 years) → Senior QS (5-10 years) → Senior Associate / Manager (10-15 years) → Partner / Director (15+ years). Some specialise—major projects, infrastructure, specialist sectors. Others move into project management or commercial management. Progression depends on technical competence, project experience, and RICS membership.
Are there opportunities in quantity surveying?
Yes. Infrastructure spending (HS2, roads, rail) drives demand. Sustainability and whole-life costing are growing areas. Digital tools (BIM, AI-based cost estimation) are emerging. International opportunities exist. QS is resilient during recessions because cost control is always needed. Career progression to senior and partner roles is possible for ambitious professionals. Growing specialisms (rail, nuclear, PFI) offer interesting opportunities.
Prepare for the next step
Your CV gets you the interview. Here's what you need for the next stages.
Related CV guides
Your Quantity Surveyor (QS) CV, perfected.
Make every word count.
Upload your CV for an instant ATS score, keyword check, and word-for-word improvements. Takes 60 seconds.
Scan your CV freeSign up free · No card needed