Thousands of you have been there. You’ve studied Quantity Surveying for the best part of 2, 3, or even 5 years, and you’ve finally reached that moment: you’ve graduated. Congratulations!
Whether you’ve achieved a Bachelor’s degree or even a Master’s, you’re rightly feeling on top of the world. But then the questions start to creep in:
- How do I take that first step into my career?
- What should I include in my CV?
- How do I prepare for an interview?
This post is here to help. The world of work isn’t as scary as it may feel. We promise 😉.
What Employers Look for in a Graduate Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveying is rarely black and white. QSs often deal with “grey” areas such as:
- Contractual disputes
- Estimating and quoting
- Assessing compensation events and major changes
- Agreeing final accounts
Because of this, employers look for a mix of technical ability and personal qualities, including:
- Confidence and self-assurance
- Strong attention to detail
- Organisation and ability to meet deadlines
- Initiative and intuition
- Commercial and business acumen
- Relationship-building skills
Making Your CV Stand Out
The QS job market is competitive, so your CV needs to highlight where you’ve demonstrated these traits—whether through university projects, part-time jobs, internships, or personal experiences.
Tips for a standout CV:
- Use real examples to evidence your skills.
- Download our free graduate quantity surveyor CV template to help with structure.
- Tailor your personal statement/profile to the role and company you’re applying for.
And don’t forget: research the company. Know their history, values, performance, and crucially, what they actually do.
Once you’ve done your research, write a tailored cover letter. Employers can spot generic applications a mile away. A short, personalised letter explaining why you want to work for them (and not just any QS firm) makes all the difference.
Interview Preparation
If your CV does its job, the next step will be the interview. Here’s what to expect:
- Technical knowledge questions – Brush up on QS fundamentals such as:
- Standard forms of contract (JCT, NEC, etc.)
- Bills of Quantities
- Earned Value Management
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Company- and role-specific questions – Such as:
- Why do you want to work for us?
- Why did you apply for this role?
- Where do you see your career going?
- Behavioural questions – Be ready with examples of when you’ve demonstrated the qualities employers want (confidence, organisation, teamwork, etc.).
👉 Remember: interviewers know you’re applying for a graduate role, so they won’t expect years of experience. Use examples from university, personal life, or non-QS jobs if needed.
Your Chance to Assess Them
Interviews aren’t just about the employer choosing you—they’re also about you deciding if you’d like to work there. Ask yourself:
- Do I like the culture?
- Can I see myself growing here?
- Do I feel comfortable with the team and manager?
Final Thoughts for Graduate Quantity Surveyor’s
Starting your career as a graduate quantity surveyor can feel daunting, but preparation and confidence will go a long way.
- Research the company.
- Tailor your CV and cover letter.
- Brush up on QS basics.
- Use your experiences to evidence the right qualities.
Above all, be yourself. You’ve worked hard to get here. You deserve to take this next step confidently. Good luck as you begin what we’re sure will be a long and successful career in quantity surveying!
Find out how we can help at metroun.co.uk
