Every construction project needs a skilled quantity surveyor, and a quantity surveyor resume worthy of a potential employer's attention must excel across multiple key areas.
Quantity surveyors understand that precision and detailed cost management are fundamental for successful project outcomes, and the same standards apply when crafting your resume. Your resume is your first chance to impress hiring managers, so it's vital to ensure it stands out.
Resume guide for a quantity surveyor resume
Fitly here to assist. Our resume builder and practical examples for over 500 professions give you an advantage in securing your ideal quantity surveyor position. This guide and its corresponding quantity surveyor resume example will address the following topics:
- Selecting the appropriate resume format for quantity surveying
- Including your contact information clearly
- Utilizing an effective summary or profile
- Detailing your quantity surveying work experience
- Highlighting relevant key skills for quantity surveying
- Presenting your education and certifications
- Choosing the best resume layout and design
Let's get started!
Resume example (text format)
Cathal Byrne
Quantity Surveyor
cathal.byrne@mail.ie 865553040 Tralee, County Kerry, IE
Profile
Strategic Quantity Surveying leader with over 10 years of comprehensive experience guiding large-scale construction projects from conception to completion. Expertise in contract negotiation, risk management, and value engineering, delivering multi-million dollar projects on time and within budget. Skilled in team leadership, mentorship, and implementing innovative cost control strategies that significantly enhance profitability and project performance. Adept at aligning project objectives with organizational goals to optimize resource allocation and stakeholder satisfaction.
Work Experience
03/2020 - Present, Quantity Surveyor, Kerry Construction Ltd., Tralee, County Kerry
- Managed cost estimation and budgeting for multiple residential and commercial construction projects, reducing overall project costs by 12% through efficient resource allocation.
- Conducted detailed measurements and valuations, ensuring timely and accurate billing and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to oversee project progress, ensuring compliance with specifications and safety standards.
- Reviewed contractual documentation and negotiated change orders, resulting in favorable terms for the company.
07/2015 - 02/2020, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Shannon Civil Engineering, Tralee, County Kerry
- Assisted in preparing tender documents and cost plans for infrastructure projects, contributing to securing contracts worth over €50 million.
- Monitored costs and prepared progress reports, enabling proactive management of project budgets and timelines.
- Assisted in procurement processes, evaluating bids and negotiating prices with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Supported senior surveyors in contractual claims and dispute resolution, safeguarding company interests.
08/2012 - 06/2015, Junior Quantity Surveyor, Kerry Builders, Tralee, County Kerry
- Developed detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for residential projects, contributing to project profitability and delivery on time.
- Supported senior surveyors with site measurements and change order documentation.
- Assisted in maintaining project costing databases and documentation, ensuring compliance with company standards.
Education
09/2014, Bachelor of Civil Engineering, University College Cork, Cork
06/2018, Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, London, UK
03/2021, Diploma in Construction Project Management, University of Dublin, Dublin
Skills
- Cost Estimation
- Contract Administration
- Building Measurement
- Negotiation Skills
- Communication and Collaboration
How to write a quantity surveyor resume
Before starting, it's essential to know what a quantity surveyor resume must include. The key sections are:
- Profile
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
Your resume should reflect the distinct value you bring as a quantity surveyor. Begin by researching the company and the specific role you are targeting. Understand their project requirements and illustrate how your expertise directly addresses their needs. To craft an effective resume, follow this approach:
- Emphasize your achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Detailing your specific successes will highlight your effectiveness.
- Customize your resume for each job application by adapting tone and content to align with the employer’s expectations.
- Maintain a polished and professional presentation with a clean, modern resume template.
- Incorporate relevant keywords so both human readers and applicant tracking systems recognize your capabilities.
Choosing the right resume format for quantity surveying
Your resume should be clear, professional, and straightforward — key qualities for a successful quantity surveyor.
The reverse chronological format is typically the best choice, presenting your latest experience first and then progressing backward through your career.
If you’re changing careers or have a unique background, a functional resume focusing on skills rather than job history can be useful. Alternatively, a hybrid format combining chronological and functional styles may be most effective.
Explore the templates available in our resume builder to find the format that fits your background best. Many examples are also provided for your convenience.
Ensure the design of your quantity surveyor resume reflects your professionalism through a clean and modern layout.
Include your contact information
The header on your resume should clearly identify you and make it easy for recruiters to get in touch. This section must be professional and accessible.
Include the following:
- Your full name
- Your professional email address
- Your phone number
- Your LinkedIn profile, if available
Avoid including:
- Your full home address
- Unnecessary personal details
Make use of a summary
Quantity surveying is a precise and technical field, but your resume summary is the chance to present your professional identity with personality. This section allows you to dispel stereotypes of quantity surveyors as solely number-focused by showcasing your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving strengths.
Think of your summary as a brief narrative that communicates your expertise and approach. This is one of the few resume sections where you can write creatively, as other sections tend to require bullet points.
Use dynamic language, impactful verbs, and positive statements to showcase your unique attributes. Avoid merely rephrasing your resume content; instead, provide an overarching impression of who you are and what you bring to the project team.
Below are adaptable quantity surveyor resume summary/profile examples for various career stages:
Entry-level adaptable resume summary/profile example
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented recent graduate with a foundation in construction cost management and project coordination. Eager to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects, demonstrating strong analytical skills and a proactive attitude. Skilled in basic quantity surveying principles, with a passion for learning industry best practices and supporting project teams. Committed to developing practical expertise and contributing to cost efficiency in construction projects.
Mid-level adaptable resume summary/profile example
Experienced Quantity Surveyor with 3-5 years of proven success in managing project costs, sourcing suppliers, and preparing detailed cost estimates. Adept at negotiating contracts and minimizing project risks, resulting in cost savings of up to 10% for previous employers. Proficient in industry-standard software such as CostX and AutoCAD, with a strong ability to coordinate between clients and contractors to ensure project milestones and budgets are met efficiently.
Senior adaptable resume summary/profile example
Strategic Quantity Surveying leader with over 10 years of comprehensive experience guiding large-scale construction projects from conception to completion. Expertise in contract negotiation, risk management, and value engineering, delivering multi-million dollar projects on time and within budget. Skilled in team leadership, mentorship, and implementing innovative cost control strategies that significantly enhance profitability and project performance. Adept at aligning project objectives with organizational goals to optimize resource allocation and stakeholder satisfaction.
Outline your quantity surveying work experience
Following the reverse chronological format, list your current or most recent position first, then work backward up to 10-15 years prior. Early career roles are important only if relevant; otherwise, focus on more recent achievements to avoid age bias.
Include only experience related to quantity surveying. For unrelated roles, consider a separate "Other Experience" section.
Under each job title and employer, describe your impact using concise bullet points. Omit personal pronouns and start each bullet with a strong action verb such as calculated, negotiated, analyzed, or coordinated.
Highlight measurable results rather than simply listing duties. Quantify successes where possible to add credibility and interest.
Generic bullet points like these do not impress:
- Managed project cost estimates
- Reviewed budgets and contracts
- Prepared reports
Compare with these specific, impactful examples:
- Prepared detailed cost plans for multi-million dollar commercial projects ensuring budgets were met within 5% variance
- Negotiated contract terms with subcontractors saving 7% on project expenditures
- Developed financial reports that enhanced forecasting accuracy and reduced overruns by 12%
View the quantity surveyor employment history resume sample below:
Quantity surveyor employment history resume sample
03/2020 - Present, Quantity Surveyor, Kerry Construction Ltd., Tralee, County Kerry
- Managed cost estimation and budgeting for multiple residential and commercial construction projects, reducing overall project costs by 12% through efficient resource allocation.
- Conducted detailed measurements and valuations, ensuring timely and accurate billing and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to oversee project progress, ensuring compliance with specifications and safety standards.
- Reviewed contractual documentation and negotiated change orders, resulting in favorable terms for the company.
07/2015 - 02/2020, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Shannon Civil Engineering, Tralee, County Kerry
- Assisted in preparing tender documents and cost plans for infrastructure projects, contributing to securing contracts worth over €50 million.
- Monitored costs and prepared progress reports, enabling proactive management of project budgets and timelines.
- Assisted in procurement processes, evaluating bids and negotiating prices with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Supported senior surveyors in contractual claims and dispute resolution, safeguarding company interests.
08/2012 - 06/2015, Junior Quantity Surveyor, Kerry Builders, Tralee, County Kerry
- Developed detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for residential projects, contributing to project profitability and delivery on time.
- Supported senior surveyors with site measurements and change order documentation.
- Assisted in maintaining project costing databases and documentation, ensuring compliance with company standards.
Include the relevant key skills
Quantity surveying demands strong technical competencies. Your resume should primarily highlight hard skills, but also reflect soft skills that improve your effectiveness on project teams, such as communication and problem-solving.
Your resume should be targeted and concise; avoid listing every skill you have. Maintain a master list of skills and select the most relevant for each job application based on the job description.
Our resume builder provides pre-written key skill options for quantity surveyors, and you can add custom skills as needed.
Below is an example of a skills section from our quantity surveyor resume template:
Quantity surveyor key skills resume sample
- Cost Estimation
- Contract Administration
- Building Measurement
- Negotiation Skills
- Communication and Collaboration
Detail your education & certifications
Your education section should highlight academic qualifications that support your expertise as a quantity surveyor. Typically, this includes a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.
List post-secondary education, omitting high school details unless you are an entry-level candidate. Also note relevant certifications, such as:
- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) accreditation
- CIQS (Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors) certification
- Project management qualifications like PMP or Prince2
- Continuing professional development courses
- Internship or apprenticeship experiences if relevant
Quantity surveyor education & certifications resume sample
09/2014, Bachelor of Civil Engineering, University College Cork, Cork
06/2018, Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, London, UK
03/2021, Diploma in Construction Project Management, University of Dublin, Dublin
Pick the right resume layout and design
A clear, attractive layout and design help ensure recruiters focus on your quantity surveyor resume content. These elements set the tone and create your first impression.
For quantity surveyors, a crisp and professional appearance reflects qualities like accuracy, discipline, and reliability.
Choose a resume format that suits the role and employer culture: straightforward and traditional for formal positions, or a more contemporary look for creative firms.
Explore our resume templates for expert layouts that save you time and present your credentials effectively.
Quantity surveyor job market and outlook
The demand for quantity surveyors remains strong as the construction industry expands globally. Employment growth is projected to continue steadily as developers and contractors seek effective cost control and risk management.
Quantity surveyors play a vital role in budget planning, contract negotiation, and financial management across various projects, ensuring successful and profitable construction delivery.
The average salary for quantity surveyors varies by region but generally ranges between $55,000 to $85,000 annually, with experienced professionals in senior roles earning significantly more.
Opportunities are especially good in urban centers and regions experiencing infrastructure growth.
Key takeaways
Quantity surveying remains an essential profession with steady demand driven by ongoing construction and infrastructure projects worldwide.
Successful quantity surveyors offer expert cost control, financial forecasting, and risk mitigation that add significant value to project teams.
Salaries are competitive, reflecting the specialized skills and responsibilities of the role, with senior practitioners commanding higher compensation.
Optimizing your resume with a clear format, tailored content, and relevant keywords will increase your chances of securing rewarding quantity surveying positions.
