Next up, we present our 7 CV tips for quantity surveyors as part of our 'CVs to get you hired' blog series. This week, you have at your fingertips the insider knowledge of not one, but two experts. For the task of providing you with the best and most useful advice, we asked our specialist consultants, Mark Brennan and Rob Hayton to depart some of their CV wisdom. They've come up with this handy checklist especially for quantity surveyors.
Mark Brennan
Associate Director - Civil Engineering, Building and Housing Contractors
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Robert Hayton
Recruitment Consultant at Calibre Search
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1. Have you described previous schemes, duties and responsibilites?
We can't stress enough the importance of going into detail when describing your employment history and experience. Not only should you go into detail, you should also be sure to focus on what you have achieved and how. Take credit for your achievements by using phrases such as 'oversaw' and 'negotiated,' rather than 'helped,' or 'was part of.'
State the value of the schemes you have worked on as well as their sectors, for example 'Bridgewater Place, £80 Million, JCT, Mixed Use.'
In terms of your day to day duties, some relevant experience could be with contract administration, bills of quantities, CVR's, final accounts, cost control, warning notices or tenders. List these alongside other details such as type of construction projects you have worked with. Perhaps you have worked with steel frame, reinforced concrete, timber frame and modular? You might think they aren't important, but these small details could be the difference between getting the job or getting your CV left at the bottom of the pile.
2. Have you mentioned any software packages you are familiar with?
As above, it's important to go into detail about the specifics and technicalities of your experience. Perhaps you are proficient with Eque2? Causeway and Candy are two other examples of software packages you might have used. As technology evolves, so do the standard technological capabilities of employees. It is no longer necessary, for example, to mention that you can use Microsoft Office, as this is expected of most applicants. Because of the fast pace of technology, it's important you continue to update your CV with the latest technology and software you are capable of using. It could just give you the edge against another candidate who hasn't taken the time to upgrade their technical skills.
3. Have you backed up your core strengths and skills with evidence?
It's one thing to randomly list unsupported skills, it's another to provide evidence and data to back this up. You want to leave the employer confident that you are the right person for the job. It's crucial that you quantify your strengths where you can. Note the difference between 'I directed growth into markets and reduced costs,' and 'I directed growth into 6 new markets and reduced costs by 28%.' Format your quantitative evidence in bold to make it stand out.
4. Have you described your qualifications?
Quantity Surveyors often have a broad variety of qualifications. Whether or not you have a BSc, HND, or MSc in Quantity Surveying, or a qualification studying Construction Management, be sure to state this. It's also crucial to state any professional memberships, or progress towards them - are you a member of MRICs, for example?
If you have taken a postgraduate conversion course, explain the relevance of your undergraduate degree subject. The relevant skills from a Mathematics or Structural Engineering degree is obvious, but there are many transferable skills to be gained from not directly-related degree subjects.
5. Have you stated specific contract types that you use?
Have you used NEC, JCT, P21, ICE or Fidik, for example? This information is interesting to employers, and could affect whether they consider your application, so don't skim this part. If the employer is looking for a candidate with experience with a certain contract type, it's crucial that you mention this experience if it is relevant to you. The job description is your main clue to what the employer is looking for - if you need inspiration, have a quick look at our list of relevant job descriptions here.
6. Have you sold yourself?
While it's important to go into detail, you've got to make every word count. Your CV is your first and possibly only chance to convince the reader that you are the surveyor they need. In other words, it's really important to sell yourself. Mention things that you do that are perhaps not typical for someone of your seniority or usual remit for your role. Examples could be estimating, procurement, planning or project management. If you're applying for a more junior position, volunteering experience could give you the edge against other applicants. Even when the skills you gained from volunteering might not seem directly relevant to quantity surveying, things like event planning or community management are definitely transferable. You'll also want to draw attention to data analysis, numeracy skills and logical thinking.
7. Have you had your CV checked over?
If you'd like a fresh pair of eyes to check your CV or hear about the jobs we are looking to fill, we'd be happy to help - give us a call on 0113 234 6047 or 0161 660 2360. Or if you like, you could just drop one of us a quick email on:
mark.brennan@calibresearch.co.uk or rob.hayton@calibresearch.co.uk
