Quantity Surveyor Resume Keywords for ATS
ATS systems screening Quantity Surveyor CVs prioritise construction cost management terminology, contract administration experience, and recognised professional qualifications such as MRICS. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in cost estimation, procurement, and valuation processes using industry-standard measurement methods like NRM. CVs should mirror the language used in job descriptions, particularly around project stages (pre-contract, post-contract) and sector experience (residential, commercial, infrastructure).
ATS keywords for a Quantity Surveyor Resume
Use these as a checklist — include the ones that genuinely apply to you, matched to the wording of the job you are targeting.
Core skills
Tools & software
Soft skills
Certifications & qualifications
How to get a Quantity Surveyor Resume past the ATS
- Include specific contract forms you've worked with (JCT, NEC, FIDIC) as these are frequently searched terms in Quantity Surveyor job specifications
- List project values and sectors explicitly (e.g. '£15m commercial development' or 'residential new build') as ATS often filters by project scale and building type
- Use both acronyms and full terms for key processes (e.g. 'Bills of Quantities (BoQ)' and 'NRM2') to capture different search variations
- Reference specific RICS competencies from the APC pathway if qualified, as employers often search for these exact terms when seeking chartered surveyors
- Mention both pre-contract and post-contract experience separately with associated tasks, as many roles specify requirements for particular project stages
- Include measurement standards explicitly (NRM1, NRM2, NRM3, CESMM4) as these are key technical differentiators in ATS screening
Before & after: Quantity Surveyor Resume bullets
Before: Responsible for managing costs on construction projects
After: Delivered cost planning and budget control on 3 commercial projects valued at £8m-£22m, achieving average cost savings of 7% through value engineering and procurement strategies
Before: Prepared valuations and dealt with contractors
After: Administered JCT D&B contracts including monthly interim valuations, variation assessments, and final account settlements totalling £4.5m across 5 residential developments
Before: Worked on bills of quantities and estimates
After: Produced NRM2-compliant Bills of Quantities and pre-tender cost estimates for 12 projects, supporting successful tender submissions with 95% cost accuracy at completion
Quantity Surveyor Resume keywords — FAQ
What keywords should a Quantity Surveyor put on their Resume?
A Quantity Surveyor Resume should include core skills such as Cost Planning, Cost Estimation, Procurement, Contract Administration, Interim Valuations, Final Account Settlement, and name specific tools like CostX, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Asta Powerproject. Always match the exact terms used in the job description you are applying to.
How do I make my Quantity Surveyor Resume ATS-friendly?
Use a plain-text skills section, mirror the keywords from the job posting word-for-word, spell out acronyms once alongside their short form, and quantify your achievements. Include specific contract forms you've worked with (JCT, NEC, FIDIC) as these are frequently searched terms in Quantity Surveyor job specifications
What skills do employers look for in a Quantity Surveyor?
Beyond technical skills, employers screen for Attention to Detail, Negotiation Skills, Commercial Awareness, Analytical Thinking. Relevant qualifications include MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), AssocRICS, FRICS.