Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Quantity Surveyor Roles – 2025

Are you ready for your next quantity surveyor job interview? To help you impress potential employers, we’ve put together a list of essential questions and answers that will test your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and industry knowledge. From cost estimation to managing budgets and contracts, these questions cover all the key areas you need to know to excel in this role.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your experience as a quantity surveyor?
  Answer: I have over 5 years of experience working as a quantity surveyor, primarily in the construction industry. I have managed projects of various sizes and have experience with both residential and commercial buildings.
• 2. What attracted you to the quantity surveying profession?
  Answer: I have always had an interest in construction and a strong aptitude for math. Quantity surveying combines both of these passions and allows me to be involved in the building process from start to finish.
• 3. How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes?
  Answer: I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and networking events in the industry. I also make sure to read trade publications and follow relevant blogs and social media pages to stay up-to-date.
• 4. How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?
  Answer: I always double-check my calculations and take the time to thoroughly review my work before submitting it. I also have a system in place where a colleague reviews my work before it is finalized.
• 5. Can you walk us through your experience with cost estimation and budget management?
  Answer: In my previous role, I was responsible for creating detailed cost estimates for each phase of the project, taking into consideration materials, labor, and overhead costs. I also managed the project budget and made adjustments as needed to ensure we stayed within budget.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How do you handle unexpected cost variations during a project?
  Answer: I first analyze the cause of the variation and then work with the project team to find a solution that minimizes the impact on the budget. This may involve negotiating with vendors or finding alternate cost-effective solutions.
• 7. How do you ensure compliance with all relevant building codes and regulations?
  Answer: Before starting any project, I thoroughly research and familiarize myself with all applicable building codes and regulations. Throughout the project, I conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and make any necessary adjustments.
• 8. Have you ever had to deal with a dispute or legal issue related to a project?
  Answer: Yes, in my previous role I had to deal with a dispute over a change order. I first tried to resolve the issue through negotiation, but when that was unsuccessful, I worked closely with the legal team to come to a fair resolution.
• 9. How do you handle managing multiple projects at once?
  Answer: I prioritize my tasks and create detailed schedules for each project. I regularly review and update these schedules to ensure everything stays on track. I also have a strong project management software that helps me keep everything organized and on schedule.
• 10. Can you give an example of a time when you successfully negotiated a contract with a vendor?
  Answer: In my previous role, I needed to negotiate a contract with a supplier to lower the cost of materials for a project. I researched competitor prices and presented evidence to the supplier, ultimately securing a 15% discount on the materials.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to make a decision under pressure?
  Answer: In a previous project, a critical piece of equipment broke down, and there was a tight deadline to get it repaired. I quickly assessed the situation, found a suitable repair company, and negotiated a fast turnaround time, allowing us to complete the project on schedule.
• 12. How do you handle conflicts within a project team?
  Answer: I believe in open communication and addressing conflicts directly. I try to understand both sides of the issue and work towards finding a mutually beneficial solution. I also involve a mediator if needed.
• 13. How do you handle managing tight deadlines?
  Answer: I first assess the project scope and create a detailed schedule with realistic deadlines. I also make sure to communicate clearly with the team about the deadline and any potential challenges that may arise. I prioritize tasks and work efficiently to meet the deadline.
• 14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult client?
  Answer: In a previous project, a client was consistently requesting changes that were not in line with the original contract. I communicated the scope of work clearly and explained the impact of the changes. Ultimately, the client understood and we were able to avoid any major conflicts.
• 15. How do you handle a project that is not going according to plan?
  Answer: I first assess the issues and try to identify the root cause. I then work with the team to come up with a solution and communicate any necessary changes to the project plan. I also make sure to keep the client informed throughout the process.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a project is over budget?
  Answer: I would first analyze the cause of the over budget and try to identify areas where we could reduce costs. I would also communicate the issue with the client and work towards finding a solution that minimizes the impact on the project.
• 17. How would you deal with a team member who consistently misses deadlines?
  Answer: I would first have a conversation with the team member to understand the reason for the missed deadlines. If it is an ongoing issue, I would involve their direct supervisor and create a performance improvement plan with clear expectations.
• 18. What would you do if you discovered a mistake or error in your work after it has been submitted?
  Answer: I would immediately inform my supervisor and work towards finding a solution to correct the mistake. I would also take responsibility for the error and communicate any necessary changes to the project team or clients.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where a change order is requested by the client?
  Answer: I would first review the original contract and determine if the requested change falls within the scope of work. If it does, I would negotiate the cost and timeline of the change with the client and communicate any necessary adjustments to the project team.
• 20. How would you handle a project delay caused by external factors, such as weather?
  Answer: I would first assess the severity of the delay and communicate with the client and project team. I would work towards finding a solution, such as reallocating resources or adjusting the timeline, to minimize the impact on the project.