INTERVIEW QUESTION

1. Tell Me about Yourself

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed today for this quantity surveyor
position with your company. Before I applied, I assessed the job description and your
organizational values to make sure I had the experience and the necessary attributes to perform
to a high standard. I would describe myself as a commercially-focused and driven quantity
surveyor who has strong communication, relationship-building, and teamwork skills. My
experience spans several years with various companies and I have worked on difficult projects
with difficult contractors. Each time, I would achieve my objectives. I am technically astute, I will
always meet my deadlines, and I assure you I will act as a positive role model for your company
in my duties as a quantity surveyor. Finally, If you employ me, I will always be hard-working, I
will go above and beyond what is expected, and I will take my continuous development seriously
so I can always contribute positively to the team I am a part of.”

1. What is the role of Quantity Surveyor (QS) in the construction

industry?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) job interview Tip number 1

This is a pervasive question that HR people ask job applicants for the

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role. Through this interview question in the Quantity
Surveyor (QS) role job interview, the interviewer wants to see how you see
the position with the other roles in the construction industry

Sample answer for this question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR interview

I believe that a Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays an integral role in the

construction industry. Estimating and monitoring construction costs is a
critical aspect of this trade. It is vital that as QS, I am involved in the project
from start to its completion — be it tax depreciation schedules, replacement
cost estimation in reference to claims and insurance, etc. Naturally, the main
takeaways of this role are minimizing projects costs and make the most value
for money without compromising on materials, standards, or quality.

I have done my bachelors in civil engineering, which has helped me get a

good grasp over the basics of the construction sector. And with a
degree/diploma in quantity surveying, which allows me to exercise my
expertise in both domains.

2. What IT skills must a Quantity Surveyor (QS) have according to your

understanding?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) job interview question Tip number 2

Through this interview question in the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job
interview, the interviewer wants to see how you see if you are able to
visualize and use IT tools to increase your productivity, make sure you do
research about various IT tools and software that can help a Quantity
Surveyor (QS) do their work more efficiently

Sample answer for this question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR interview

As a QS, being well-versed in IT skills is critical to absorb complex information

and provide insightful solutions promptly, especially for two-dimensional
(2D) and three-dimensional (3D) representations, construction components
and drawings details, etc.
Good knowledge of construction industry, like CAD tools, being updated with
HSE building regulations and legal guidelines is pivotal. It would give me an
in-depth insight into ways of further reducing costs.
Of course, other core skills like computer literacy, in particular, MS Excel,
word processing, accounting, etc. helps ensure accuracy when dealing with
significant numbers and simplifies the process of managing massive financial
data.

Besides this, I do believe that a systematic approach to organizing, problem-

solving, and thinking on my feet would be a bonus. Since negotiating and
communication with multi-functional teams is crucial, it’s another skill I feel
would be instrumental in shaping the overall project costs.

3.What according to you should be the Key Result Areas of a Quantity

Surveyor(QS)?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) job interview Tip number 3

Through this interview question in the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job
interview, the interviewer wants to test and see how much clarity you have
about the KPI’s for the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job, This question gives
them the insight into the level of accountability and transparency about what
the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job entails. Make sure that you speak about
being ready to take on further or additional responsibilities. Being a team
player and someone who wants to pick up an additional burden will help you
in cracking the job interview for Quantity Surveyor (QS).

Sample answer for this question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR interview
The key responsibility areas (KRAs) of a Quantity surveyor are diverse and
often require involvement at minuscule levels. While the primary
responsibilities include efficiently managing and maintaining the project,
carrying out cost management initiatives, including forecasting, is an integral
aspect of KRAs. Scope of the work also includes conducting research and
evaluating the estimated costs of materials and labor, evaluating the
complete work and also providing advice on legal and contractual problems.
KRAs may involve meeting clients, officials, etc. as required during the
construction time-frame.

4. As a Quantity Surveyor (QS), how do you Project Financial

Management?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) job interview Tip number 4

Through this interview question in the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job
interview, the interviewer wants to test and see how much clarity you have
about how you will go about managing the financial impact on your
construction project. The QS role is very closely linked with the Project
budget as you are the one who draws up the cost sheets for project
procurement. Every company is different, and their styles of financial
management and the use of technology vary, though increasingly people are
using technology to create Bill of quantities for a construction project. If you
are stumped about an answer, there’s no harm in admitting, especially if it’s
out of your professional domain.

Sample answer for this question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR interview
For me, financial management is all about handling the entire lifecycle of the
project. It starts with estimating costs, right from the first calculation to its
final values. My role in project financial management would be to lower costs
without compromising on quality and get the tasks executed in the shortest
period possible. Along with providing regular financial statements and cost
reports to keep track of expenses, it’s also important to consider risks or
hindrances that may arise. I am a strong advocate of using technology to
simplify tasks and increase productivity.

For example, a labor or transportation strike may throw the entire process
off the tracks. It would mean added expenditures and increased time, which
in turn would increase costs. In such cases, I should think on my feet and
work with multi-functional teams to devise intelligent solutions.

5. As a Quantity Surveyor, how do you manage Administration and

Reporting in the project?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job Tip 5

Through this interview question in the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job
interview, the interviewer wants to test and see how much clarity you have
about how you will go about reporting and communicating the project
updates to various stakeholders, timely reporting of project metrics
especially around the project costs can prevent cost overruns on a
construction project.

Sample answer for this question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR interview
The QS role is very closely linked with the Project budget as you are the one
who draws up the cost sheets for project procurement. Every company is
different, and their styles of financial management and the use of technology
vary, though increasingly people are using technology to create Bill of
quantities for a construction project. If you are stumped about an answer,
there’s no harm in admitting, especially if it’s out of your professional
domain.

For me, attention to detail is vital, and that forms the basis of administration
and reporting. Project documentation should foremost meet and adhere to
all statutory, company, and operational requirements. Considering that this
would build the base of the final accounts, it is imperative to keep track of all
site orders, including purchases, managing invoices from multiple
departments and also controlling usage and authorization as required. While
maintaining a tab of day to day activities is essential, it is also necessary to
ensure that key metrics are being adhered to.

6. As a Quantity Surveyor, how do you deal with Contractor and

Supplier Management in the project?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 6

Through this interview question in the Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job
interview, the interviewer wants to test and see how you will handle the
vendors and contractors and your understanding of the Supply Chain
Management process. Make sure you communicate that vendors are
partners and you treat them professionally.
Sample answer for this question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR interview

Contractor and supplier management requires tactful handling. Negotiation

and excellent communication skills come into play here. Raising clarification
on a project, should not come across as an argument. Understanding and
getting an overview of the suppliers is equally important as is keeping them
interested while getting the best bargain. In any project hurdles and hiccups
are common, the key how we handle them. Resolving disputes or disparities
between the contractor and the supplier, ensuring that all subcontractors
and suppliers are as per statutory requirements is again, essential.

7. As a Quantity surveyor, what do you think are the goals for Health &
Safety Management in the project?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 7

Through this interview question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview,
the interviewer wants to test and see how vital is HSE in your thought
process. Safety is everyone’s responsibility; you have to make sure that you
tell them that since as a principal contractor, the ultimate liability rests with
company and contractors, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Sample answer for this question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR interview

I know that health is wealth may sound clichéd, but it holds in every aspect of
life, including construction. For example, violating safety or health laws have
stringent financial penalties — not to mention the charges of lawsuits that
could potentially burn a hole in the pocket. I would aim to strive for the
minimal loss time incidents rate with hopefully 0% injuries.

It’s also essential to keep a check not only on documents but also
coordinating with other team members to make sure that legislative and
health & safety systems and policies are followed to the T. In particular,
checking that the subcontractors and suppliers have their insurance or
health policies in place.

8. As a Quantity Surveyor, what is your contribution to the project

management, how do you support the project manager on the site?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 8

Through this interview question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview,

the interviewer wants to test and see your ability to support other functions
and roles in the project and how well you can communicate any risks in
advance to the project manager. Make sure you tell them about the
importance of timely communication and weekly meetings.

Sample answer for this interview question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR
interview

The project manager and Quantity Surveyor should work in tune to ensure
timely and successful completion of the project. In particular, the project
manager interacts with the team more frequently, and hence, you get a more
detailed perspective of what’s happening at the necessary levels. Sometimes
the smaller issues may escalate into more significant problems, and that’s
where the project manager’s role is critical.

I want to be well-informed about the end-to-end developments of the

project. Though my role would be assisting with analyzing risks, working on
potential cost-saving methods, and conduct cost reviews, keeping track of
everyday cost discrepancies or issues. This would ensure that once the
project is complete, the client receives all required documents like applicable
warranty, instruction documents, and other guarantee papers.

9. As a Quantity Surveyor, how do you contribute to quality assurance

and risk reduction?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 9

Through this interview question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview,
the interviewer wants to get an insight into how you will go about reducing
the project risk, either by building them into procurement or through timely
communication, or project KPI’s. Not having a plan to manage quality and
risk would signal disaster on the project. Give them an example of how you
do a risk management plan for your project and then tie it up with KPI’s.

Sample answer for this interviewquestion for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job/HR

interview

For successful implementation and quality assurance through different

phases of the project, it is crucial that the team understands the financial
implications of complying with contractual terms. A simple breach of
contract, whether intentional or unintentional, can delay a construction
project for weeks or even months, which upsets the entire planning. Hence I
would prefer that queries and doubts related to contractual terms are
promptly addressed. For this, I have to be updated with latest market trends.

Contributing to project debriefs for analyzing required areas of project

success and scope of improvement is pivotal too. Surprise checks, defect
remedial inspections, etc. are simple and efficient means of ensuring that
hindrances are minimized. Doing so also helps stick to the project costs.

I also feel that building project risk models give another dimension to
managing qualitative and quantitative risk analysis. In particular, probability
simulations are contributory in reducing potential risks.

10. What is the role of the quantity surveyor in cost and financial
management in a project?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 10

Through this interview question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview,

the interviewer wants to get an insight into how well you will integrate and
support the project procurement and project budgeting team. Additionally,
they want to see how they will approve the final bills by cross-checking if the
actual work was done as per specifications or not. Make sure you tell them
how you do things to avoid new claims by the contractors.

Sample answer to this question when interviewing for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job
As a quantity surveyor, one of my principal responsibilities would be to
support the cost or financial management of the project so that the clients
can get an objective, precise, and reliable assessment of the entire project
capital. As Quantity Surveyors (QS), we define the specifications for procuring
items, so if we put in wrong specs, the total project costs will go haywire. Our
work also entails checking bills and deductions or notes for variations, and
we have to be very precise with the bill of quantities, or else the final costs
will shoot up due to further claims.

As a Quantity Surveyor (QS), It will also help to have an overview of what

investment funding would be available for the future and how the required
planning methods can be implemented to resolve the needful. The very
reason a quantity surveyor is also called a construction economist is to
analyze financial management prospects. Starting with an estimate of the
project cost to tentative cost plans, all are critical steps of financial planning.
Research and studying financial data is the foundation of this management.
Next comes the preparing of budgets and cash flows or administering the
approximate project cost, which is done as per analytical reviews.

Through the execution of the project, investment performance indicators

should also be tracked and recorded. These include Residual Land Value,
Profit, Margin, etc. Comparing multiple options for different financial
outcomes should be analyzed too.

The quantity surveyor should not only take into account the data available
but also be on-trend with newer feasibility models, data banks, and tools to
help reach new benchmarks.
For me, my role in any project is to bring down costs without compromising
on the quality, and with the right financial management methods, this can be
turned into a deliverable. The final result of my role is to add value to the
construction project while saving capital and lifecycle costs.

11. What is the role of a quantity surveyor in Project Procurement &

Contract Management?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 11

This interview question for Quantity Surveyor (QS) role is a tricky one as the
interviewer wants to see if you are a team player and how much you would
be willing to negotiate in terms of contract management. Procurement of the
project depends largely on generating interest of the contractors while trying
to bring down costs as much as possible.

Sample answer to this question when interviewing for Quantity Surveyor (QS)
job

When it comes to the management of construction project procurement and

contract, I feel that the first step is to get my research sorted by identifying,
collecting, processing, and interpreting data and information. This would be
instrumental in the evaluation and selection of appropriate procurement
system and contractual arrangement. Based on this knowledge, hopefully
with a few pointers up my sleeve that can help me negotiate, I might be able
to scale down costs.
Procurement of the right workers and laborers is the key to the success of
any project. I would also want the client to be involved since this is a two-way
road. I can help the client understand the procurement criteria to the best of
my abilities, which in turn would help in selecting a team that is cost-effective
and yet doesn’t compromise on standard or quality. While traditional
procurement methods may be cliched, it is important to go for a reliable
team. I am open to hiring newcomers as long as they come with good
referrals and have the required expertise in this area. Of course, this would
be the call of the client — ideally having a brief and doing background checks
is critical to this process. Wrong procurements can break a project.
Though I am all for verbal agreements, I always believe in prompt action and
getting things on paper. So preparing tender and contract documents and
completing these formalities, on a priority basis, is required.
Prior to administration of tendering processes, it’s vital to check that all facts
are in place too.
When it comes to managing the implementation of construction contracts,
it’s crucial to take into consideration if contractors are using only in-house
teams or if they plan on hiring sub-contractors. Little things like these can
make a huge difference in the overall budget.

12. What is the role of quantity surveyor in Measurement,

quantification, and documentation?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 12

During the interview questions for Quantity Surveyor (QS) roles, remember

that the main goal of the QS is to ensure apt measurement, quantification,
and documentation — through the entire lifecycle or phase of the project. If
you are asked this question during an interview for Quantity surveyor,
answer the same while breaking through the process. Simplify the answer
from a practical perspective.

Sample answer to this question when interviewing for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job

I feel that this is one of the most vital questions asked when you have an
interview regarding measurement, quantification, and documentation. They
form the basis of the Bill of Quantities (BQ). So it’s vital that the entire
process of measuring and quantifying construction works for project costing
be done in an organized way. One can use the traditional approach where
intuition and experience are merged, which is very important to the process.
Yes, contemporary modes of computerized calculations and maths will give
precise results, but they often fail to consider certain external aspects.
During cost planning and control, as a QS it is my primary responsibility to
ensure that any changes or costs are updated and upgraded.

Preparation of bills of quantities and work program requires in-depth

analytical skills and an agile approach to problem-solving. It is also vital that
resources planning and control are checked on a regular basis. This should
include valuation for interim payment too. The preparation of project
accounts involves taking into consideration the value of the costs before,
during, and after completion.

13. As a quantity surveyor, how do you best use technology in your

project?

Quantity Surveyor (QS) role job interview Tip 13

One of the common interview questions for Quantity Surveyor (QS) roles
involves the use of technology in the project. With pricing and efficiency
being a primary reason to hire a QS, the role of technology in this sector has
transformed too. From the employer perspective, it would mean precision
and faster execution.

Sample answer to this question when interviewing for Quantity Surveyor (QS) job

Today, construction has embraced technological advances in almost every

aspect. Be it 3D modeling or using machinery to replace manual labor. In the
same way, as a quantity surveyor, I have to continually ensure that I update
myself with technologies and implement them as required.

Technological innovations in the sector of engineering should also include

sound knowledge of materials, machinery, and manpower in quantity
surveying functions. All of these would contribute to the overall figures of
cost and financial management.

Technology can help in organization and better management of all of these

segments. From storing data to managing multi-functional teams, technology
can assist in analyzing the process to extrapolate precise costing data.

Recommending changes to contract administration, managing the earned

value reporting, interacting with other departments to ensure amendment to
contracts, claims against contractors/ subcontractors can be facilitated by
thorough knowledge of tech.
But most importantly, the application of principles and practice in providing
quantity surveying services should be done using a blend of technology and
intuition. Expertise and knowledge of relevant skills combined with technical
expertise are beneficial for smooth operations.

On the whole, I would like to use technology to understand the estimates

and budgets of various teams. Identiying the potential risks can help me
minimize cost overruns from arising and in the process, make sure that
budgets are adhered to. Technology can help me in executing decision-
making and advisory responsibilities.