Quantity Surveyor Interview Questions & Answers


Quantity Surveyors provide cost and material estimates, draw up projected budgets, and work alongside a team, noting any design changes and their effect on cost. Quantity Surveyors often liaise with builders, architects, engineers, and other contractors to ensure building projects remain within budget.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Quantity Surveyor or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Quantity Surveyor position, these Quantity Surveyor interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Quantity Surveyor Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Quantity Surveyor interview questions.

  1. Can you provide an overview of your experience as a Quantity Surveyor and the types of projects you have worked on?
  2. How do you ensure accurate cost estimation and budgeting for construction projects?
  3. Can you describe your approach to conducting cost analysis and cost control throughout the project lifecycle?
  4. How do you handle the procurement process, including sourcing materials and obtaining competitive bids?
  5. Can you discuss any experience you have in preparing and reviewing tender documents and contracts?
  6. How do you ensure compliance with relevant building codes, regulations, and industry standards?
  7. Can you share any experience you have in conducting feasibility studies and risk assessments for construction projects?
  8. How do you manage and negotiate variations and change orders to ensure project costs are properly accounted for?
  9. Can you describe your approach to valuing construction work, including measurement and valuation techniques?
  10. How do you handle cost reporting and financial forecasting for construction projects?
  11. Can you discuss any experience you have in handling claims and disputes related to cost and contractual matters?
  12. How do you stay updated on industry trends, market rates, and changes in construction costs?
  13. Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully identified cost-saving opportunities or value engineering solutions?
  14. How do you collaborate with project teams, architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure effective cost management?
  15. Can you share any experience you have in preparing and presenting cost reports to clients and stakeholders?
  16. How do you ensure accurate and timely payment certification for contractors and subcontractors?
  17. Can you discuss any experience you have in conducting lifecycle costing and whole-life cost analysis for construction projects?
  18. How do you handle project documentation and record-keeping, including managing project files and contract correspondence?
  19. Can you describe your approach to conducting post-project cost analysis and lessons learned exercises?
  20. How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met?

These interview questions assess a candidate's knowledge, experience, and approach to quantity surveying.

Quantity Surveyor Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Quantity Surveyor interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  2. Tell Me About Yourself
  3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  4. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  5. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  6. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  7. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  8. Why Should We Hire You?
  9. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  10. Why Do You Want This Job?