Top 12 Quantity Surveyor Skills to Put on Your Resume
In today's competitive job market, standing out as a quantity surveyor requires more than just a solid educational background; it necessitates a blend of technical expertise and soft skills that can significantly enhance the value you bring to any project. Highlighting the top skills on your resume can set you apart from other candidates, showcasing your proficiency and adaptability in this dynamic field.
Quantity Surveyor Skills
- CostX
- BIM (Building Information Modeling)
- AutoCAD
- Revit
- Primavera P6
- MS Excel
- Navisworks
- QS Plus
- RICS Standards
- Value Engineering
- Risk Analysis
- Contract Negotiation
1. CostX
CostX is a software tool designed for Quantity Surveyors that facilitates digital measurement and estimating, enabling efficient cost management and project control throughout the construction lifecycle.
Why It's Important
CostX is important for a Quantity Surveyor because it streamlines the measurement and cost estimating process, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in budget management and project control.
How to Improve CostX Skills
Improving CostX for a Quantity Surveyor involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and the utilization of its advanced features for cost estimation and project management. Here are concise strategies:
Training and Certification: Engage in official CostX training programs to master its functionalities and stay updated with the latest features.
Customization and Templates: Customize your CostX environment and create templates for common projects to streamline your workflow. Utilize the CostX support for tips on customization.
Integrate BIM: Leverage CostX's BIM capabilities for more accurate and dynamic quantity take-offs. Explore resources on the integration of BIM with CostX for detailed guidance.
Use Advanced Measurement Tools: Maximize the use of CostX's advanced measurement tools for accurate and efficient quantity surveying. Familiarize yourself with the toolset through the CostX manual.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize CostX’s data analysis and reporting features to generate insightful project reports. This improves decision-making and client presentations.
Networking and User Community: Join the CostX user community on platforms like LinkedIn to share insights, tips, and best practices with peers.
By focusing on these strategies, Quantity Surveyors can significantly enhance their proficiency and efficiency in using CostX for cost estimation and project management.
How to Display CostX Skills on Your Resume
2. BIM (Building Information Modeling)
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital representation of a building's characteristics, creating a collaborative platform for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. For a Quantity Surveyor, BIM facilitates accurate measurement and cost estimation by providing detailed information on materials, quantities, and space dimensions directly from the model, enhancing efficiency and precision in budgeting and financial management throughout a project's lifecycle.
Why It's Important
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is crucial for Quantity Surveyors as it provides precise, multi-dimensional models, enabling accurate cost estimation, efficient material takeoff, and streamlined project management throughout a building's lifecycle.
How to Improve BIM (Building Information Modeling) Skills
Improving BIM (Building Information Modeling) for a Quantity Surveyor involves focusing on precision, efficiency, and collaboration. Here's a concise guide:
Enhance Skills: Continuously upgrade your BIM skills through training and certifications. Autodesk offers various resources and courses tailored for professionals.
Leverage BIM Tools: Utilize advanced BIM software such as Revit or Navisworks for accurate quantity takeoffs and cost estimation.
Collaborate Effectively: Engage in collaborative working methods using platforms like BIM 360 to improve coordination with other stakeholders.
Implement BIM Standards: Adhere to BIM standards and protocols such as ISO 19650 to ensure consistency and quality in BIM projects.
Data Management: Focus on efficient data management strategies for handling BIM data, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for quantity surveying tasks.
Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest developments in BIM technology and industry practices by following relevant blogs and forums.
By focusing on these areas, Quantity Surveyors can significantly improve their BIM capabilities, leading to greater accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration in their projects.
How to Display BIM (Building Information Modeling) Skills on Your Resume
3. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings, essential for quantity surveyors in measuring, estimating, and analyzing building costs and materials efficiently.
Why It's Important
AutoCAD is crucial for Quantity Surveyors as it enables precise measurement and visualization of construction projects, facilitating accurate cost estimation, material quantification, and effective project planning and management.
How to Improve AutoCAD Skills
Improving AutoCAD for a Quantity Surveyor involves enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and integration capabilities. Here are concise steps:
Customize Tool Palettes: Tailor tool palettes for quantity surveying tasks to streamline your workflow. Autodesk’s guide on Customizing Tool Palettes can help.
Use AutoLISP for Automation: Implement AutoLISP scripts for repetitive tasks like area calculations. Autodesk provides resources on AutoLISP.
Implement Data Extraction: Utilize the DATAEXTRACTION command to extract object data for cost estimation. Here's Autodesk’s tutorial on Creating a Table Using Data Extraction.
Leverage External Databases: Connect AutoCAD drawings to external databases for real-time cost updates and materials management. Autodesk discusses Linking a Drawing to a Database.
Upgrade Hardware: Ensure your hardware supports the latest AutoCAD versions for optimal performance. Autodesk’s System Requirements guide provides details.
Stay Updated & Get Trained: Always use the latest version of AutoCAD and participate in Autodesk training and certification programs to leverage new features and improve proficiency. Explore Autodesk’s Learning and Training.
By customizing tools, automating tasks, integrating databases, maintaining hardware, and continuous learning, a Quantity Surveyor can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy in AutoCAD.
How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume
4. Revit
Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that allows quantity surveyors to accurately calculate materials, costs, and project timelines by utilizing detailed, three-dimensional models of buildings and structures.
Why It's Important
Revit is important for a Quantity Surveyor because it enables precise and automated takeoff, enhances accuracy in cost estimation, and streamlines the process of quantifying materials through its 3D modeling capabilities, saving time and reducing errors in construction projects.
How to Improve Revit Skills
Improving Revit for a Quantity Surveyor involves enhancing the precision of quantity takeoffs, streamlining collaboration, and leveraging automation for efficient cost estimation. Here's a concise guide:
Customize Schedules: Tailor schedules within Revit to match the specific needs of quantity surveying, ensuring accurate and detailed material takeoffs. Autodesk's Guide on Schedules provides insights on customization.
Implement Dynamo: Use Dynamo to automate repetitive tasks such as data extraction and analysis, enhancing efficiency. The Dynamo Primer is a valuable resource for learning how to integrate Dynamo with Revit.
Utilize Revit Add-Ins: Explore add-ins specifically designed for Quantity Surveyors to improve workflow efficiency and data accuracy. A popular tool is QSPlus for Revit, which assists in detailed quantity takeoffs.
Leverage BIM Collaboration: Adopt BIM collaboration tools for real-time data sharing and coordination among project stakeholders, minimizing errors and discrepancies. Autodesk BIM Collaborate is an example of a platform facilitating seamless collaboration.
Continual Learning and Training: Stay updated with the latest Revit features and best practices through ongoing education. The Autodesk Knowledge Network and LinkedIn Learning offer courses and tutorials for enhancing Revit skills.
By focusing on these areas, a Quantity Surveyor can significantly improve their efficiency and accuracy in using Revit for project estimations and management.
How to Display Revit Skills on Your Resume
5. Primavera P6
Primavera P6 is a comprehensive, multi-project planning and control software, designed for project scheduling, cost estimation, and efficient project management, widely used by quantity surveyors for accurate budgeting, resource allocation, and monitoring of construction projects.
Why It's Important
Primavera P6 is important for a Quantity Surveyor because it enables precise project scheduling, resource allocation, and cost control, ensuring accurate budget management and timely project completion.
How to Improve Primavera P6 Skills
Improving your proficiency in Primavera P6 as a Quantity Surveyor involves enhancing both your technical skills with the software and understanding how its features can be applied to cost management and project control. Here are concise steps to do so:
Understand Project Management Fundamentals: A strong grasp of project management principles will help you leverage Primavera P6 effectively. Consider resources like the Project Management Institute (PMI) for foundational knowledge.
Formal Training: Enroll in Primavera P6 training courses focused on quantity surveying applications. Oracle University offers official courses.
Practice Real-life Scenarios: Apply what you learn in a controlled environment. Use sample projects or past projects to simulate scenarios.
Learn Cost Management Features: Focus on mastering cost loading, budgeting, and forecasting features within Primavera P6. This Oracle Help Center guide could be a starting point.
Join Forums and Groups: Engage with Primavera P6 user communities such as the Oracle Primavera P6 User Group for tips and best practices tailored to quantity surveying.
Integrate with Quantity Surveying Software: Learn to integrate P6 with QS-specific software for better cost management and project tracking. Understanding data exchange formats and APIs is crucial.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest Primavera P6 updates and industry trends by subscribing to newsletters and following relevant blogs.
These steps, combined with hands-on practice and continuous learning, will help you leverage Primavera P6 more effectively in your role as a Quantity Surveyor.
How to Display Primavera P6 Skills on Your Resume
6. MS Excel
MS Excel is a spreadsheet software used by quantity surveyors for data analysis, budgeting, and financial forecasting, facilitating tasks like cost estimation, project management, and inventory tracking.
Why It's Important
MS Excel is crucial for Quantity Surveyors as it enables efficient cost estimation, data analysis, and financial management, facilitating precise budgeting and project planning.
How to Improve MS Excel Skills
Improving your MS Excel skills as a Quantity Surveyor involves mastering functions and tools relevant to cost estimation, data analysis, and project management. Here are concise strategies:
Learn Advanced Excel Functions: Focus on mastering functions like
VLOOKUP,HLOOKUP,INDEX,MATCH, and array formulas for handling complex data analysis. ExcelJet is a great resource for learning these functions.Use PivotTables: PivotTables are essential for summarizing, analyzing, exploring, and presenting your data. They can help you quickly compare and analyze large datasets. Microsoft Support provides tutorials on PivotTables.
Implement Data Validation: Ensure accuracy in your datasets by using Excel's Data Validation feature to restrict the type of data or the values that users enter into a cell. GCFGlobal offers guidance on Data Validation.
Macro and VBA Learning: Automate repetitive tasks and customize Excel to your specific needs as a Quantity Surveyor by learning Macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Chandoo is a useful resource for getting started with Macros and VBA.
Utilize Conditional Formatting: Enhance your data visualization skills by applying Conditional Formatting to highlight trends, exceptions, and key indicators in your data. The Excel Easy website provides straightforward tutorials on Conditional Formatting.
Explore Excel Add-ins: Leverage Excel Add-ins like Analysis ToolPak for complex statistical or engineering analyses. This can be especially useful for project cost analysis. Microsoft Office support offers guidance on how to activate these Add-ins.
Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest Excel features and best practices by regularly visiting forums and websites dedicated to Excel learning, such as MrExcel or Excel Forum.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your Excel skills, making your work as a Quantity Surveyor more efficient and effective.
How to Display MS Excel Skills on Your Resume
7. Navisworks
Navisworks is a 3D review software used in construction projects to integrate and visualize detailed architectural, engineering, and construction models. For a Quantity Surveyor, it facilitates accurate quantity takeoffs, project scheduling, and coordination by enabling comprehensive analysis of the integrated models.
Why It's Important
Navisworks is important for a Quantity Surveyor because it enables effective 3D model analysis for accurate material takeoffs, cost estimation, and project scheduling, thereby enhancing project cost control and decision-making.
How to Improve Navisworks Skills
Improving Navisworks for a Quantity Surveyor involves leveraging its tools for accurate quantity takeoffs, clash detection, and project review to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Here are concise strategies:
Utilize Quantification Tools: Take advantage of Navisworks' Quantification tools to automate quantity takeoffs from 3D models, ensuring accurate and quick measurements. Autodesk's guide on Quantification offers a comprehensive overview.
Enhance Model Review: Employ the Model Review feature to enforce project standards and detect potential issues early. This allows for preemptive action, saving time and resources. Model Review Guide provides detailed instructions.
Implement Clash Detection: Use clash detection capabilities to identify and resolve conflicts between different model elements, reducing errors and avoiding cost overruns. Clash Detection Tutorial can help you get started.
Customize Reports: Generate customized reports tailored to your specific needs, including detailed quantity takeoffs and clash reports, to streamline workflow. Learn how to customize reports in Navisworks.
Integration with BIM 360: Integrate Navisworks with BIM 360 for cloud-based collaboration, allowing you to access models and coordinate with teams in real-time. BIM 360 Integration explains how to set this up.
By focusing on these areas, a Quantity Surveyor can significantly improve their efficiency and accuracy in project planning and execution using Navisworks.
How to Display Navisworks Skills on Your Resume
8. QS Plus
QS Plus is a software application designed for Quantity Surveyors to facilitate detailed cost estimation and management of construction projects.
Why It's Important
QS Plus is important for Quantity Surveyors as it provides specialized software tools for accurate cost estimation and efficient management of construction project finances, enhancing productivity and precision in budgeting and contract administration tasks.
How to Improve QS Plus Skills
Improving your proficiency in QS Plus, a Quantity Surveying software, involves a series of steps aimed at enhancing both your understanding and efficiency in using the tool. Here are concise recommendations:
Understand the Basics: Start with a solid foundation by understanding the basics of QS Plus. Use the official documentation to familiarize yourself with its features and capabilities.
Online Tutorials and Courses: Engage with online tutorials and courses. Websites like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning often have relevant courses that can deepen your knowledge and skills.
Practice Regularly: Apply your skills on real or hypothetical projects. Regular practice is key to becoming proficient and discovering shortcuts and efficiencies.
Join Forums and Groups: Participate in online forums and social media groups related to QS Plus. Communities on platforms like Reddit or professional networks like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and troubleshooting tips.
Stay Updated: QS Plus, like any software, evolves. Visit the official website regularly for updates, patches, and new features to ensure you're using the software to its full potential.
Feedback Loop: Finally, create a feedback loop by periodically reviewing your work and seeking feedback from more experienced users. Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in mastering QS Plus.
By following these steps, you'll not only improve your QS Plus skills but also enhance your efficiency and value as a Quantity Surveyor.
How to Display QS Plus Skills on Your Resume
9. RICS Standards
RICS Standards refer to the professional guidelines and best practices established by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the real estate and construction industries. For a Quantity Surveyor, these standards ensure accurate cost management, project estimation, and financial control over construction projects, adhering to ethical, professional, and technical benchmarks set by RICS.
Why It's Important
RICS Standards are important for Quantity Surveyors as they ensure professional accuracy, consistency in practice, and ethical behavior, thereby enhancing trust and confidence among clients and the wider construction industry.
How to Improve RICS Standards Skills
Improving RICS Standards, particularly for Quantity Surveyors, involves a continuous process of updating practices, embracing technology, and adhering to ethical guidelines. Here are concise steps to enhance RICS standards:
Continuous Learning: Engage in lifelong learning through RICS CPD (Continual Professional Development) programs to stay updated with the latest industry practices (RICS CPD).
Adopt Technology: Integrate advanced digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modeling) to enhance accuracy and efficiency in quantity surveying tasks (RICS and BIM).
Ethical Practice: Adhere strictly to the RICS Code of Ethics to ensure professionalism and integrity in all transactions (RICS Ethics).
Engagement in RICS Consultations: Participate in consultations to contribute to the development and revision of RICS standards, ensuring they remain relevant and reflect current industry challenges (RICS Consultations).
Feedback and Collaboration: Collaborate with industry peers and provide feedback on the RICS standards, promoting a culture of improvement and adaptation (RICS Feedback).
By following these steps, Quantity Surveyors can actively contribute to the evolution and enhancement of RICS standards, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry best practices.
How to Display RICS Standards Skills on Your Resume
10. Value Engineering
Value Engineering (VE) is a systematic method employed by Quantity Surveyors to optimize the value of a project by examining its functions, materials, and processes, aiming to achieve the essential requirements at the lowest total cost without compromising quality, performance, and reliability.
Why It's Important
Value Engineering is important for a Quantity Surveyor as it enables the optimization of a project's performance by finding the most cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality, functionality, or performance. This leads to increased value for money, efficiency in resource use, and enhanced project outcomes.
How to Improve Value Engineering Skills
To improve Value Engineering (VE) as a Quantity Surveyor, focus on the following steps:
Understand the Project Scope: Thoroughly understand the project's objectives, requirements, and constraints. RICS provides resources on project management and understanding scope.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Perform detailed cost-benefit analyses to identify areas where costs can be reduced without sacrificing quality. The AACE International offers guidelines on cost engineering.
Collaborative Workshops: Organize VE workshops involving multidisciplinary teams to brainstorm and evaluate alternatives. SAVE International offers workshops and certifications on VE.
Lifecycle Costing: Consider the entire lifecycle cost of materials and construction methods, not just initial costs. BuildingSMART International provides insights on sustainable building practices.
Technology and Tools: Leverage technology and tools for accurate estimations and simulations. CostX and BIM are examples of software that can aid in this process.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and standards in VE and quantity surveying through continuous professional development. CPD Online by RICS is a valuable resource.
By focusing on these areas, a Quantity Surveyor can significantly enhance the value engineering process, leading to cost-efficient and high-quality project outcomes.
How to Display Value Engineering Skills on Your Resume
11. Risk Analysis
Risk analysis, in the context of a Quantity Surveyor, involves the systematic process of identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks that could impact the cost, timeline, and quality of construction projects. This process aims to minimize potential losses or threats and ensure project objectives are achieved efficiently.
Why It's Important
Risk analysis is crucial for a Quantity Surveyor as it helps identify, assess, and manage potential financial, contractual, and construction-related risks, ensuring project completion within budget and time constraints while maintaining quality standards.
How to Improve Risk Analysis Skills
Improving risk analysis, especially for a Quantity Surveyor, involves a structured approach focusing on identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks in construction projects. Here’s a concise guide:
Identify Risks: Start by identifying potential risks, including cost overruns, delays, and market fluctuations. Tools like SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis can be useful. RICS Guidance offers standards and protocols for identifying risks.
Evaluate Risks: Assess the likelihood and impact of identified risks using quantitative methods like probabilistic risk assessment or qualitative methods like expert judgment. The AACE International Recommended Practice provides methodologies for risk evaluation.
Mitigate Risks: Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks. This could involve contingency planning, contract management, or alternative scheduling. The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) offers resources on construction management practices that include risk mitigation.
Continuous Monitoring: Risk analysis is not a one-time activity. Continuous monitoring and reassessment of risks as the project evolves are crucial. Project Management Institute (PMI) provides guidelines on project risk management that include monitoring and controlling risks.
Leverage Technology: Utilize software tools designed for risk analysis in construction projects, enabling more accurate and efficient risk assessments. CostOS Estimating is an example of software that supports risk analysis in quantity surveying.
Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest trends and methodologies in risk analysis by engaging in professional development opportunities. RICS CPD Training offers courses and seminars on various aspects of quantity surveying, including risk management.
By following these steps, a Quantity Surveyor can significantly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of risk analyses, contributing to the success of construction projects.
How to Display Risk Analysis Skills on Your Resume
12. Contract Negotiation
Contract negotiation, in the context of a Quantity Surveyor, involves the strategic discussion and finalization of terms within a construction project agreement to ensure clarity, fairness, and mutual benefit in aspects such as scope, costs, timelines, and quality standards.
Why It's Important
Contract negotiation is crucial for a Quantity Surveyor because it ensures that the terms, costs, and scope of work are clearly defined and agreed upon, minimizing the risk of disputes and financial loss, and ensuring project objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
How to Improve Contract Negotiation Skills
Improving contract negotiation, especially for a Quantity Surveyor, involves a blend of preparation, clear communication, and strategic thinking. Here are concise steps:
Preparation: Thoroughly understand the project scope and requirements. Research market trends and costs. RICS provides valuable resources and guidelines for Quantity Surveyors.
Communication: Clearly articulate your needs and concerns. Listen actively to the other party. Tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams can facilitate smooth communication, especially for remote negotiations.
Strategic Thinking: Develop a negotiation strategy, including your objectives, concessions you can make, and your bottom line. The Harvard Program on Negotiation offers insights on negotiation strategies.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of all negotiation discussions and agreements. Software like DocuSign can be instrumental for securely managing contracts online.
Continuous Learning: Stay informed on negotiation tactics and industry standards by engaging in continuous professional development through platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
By applying these steps, Quantity Surveyors can enhance their negotiation skills, leading to more favorable contract terms and successful project outcomes.
How to Display Contract Negotiation Skills on Your Resume
