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

Applying for a senior quantity surveyor position? As a seasoned professional, you'll need to demonstrate not only your technical expertise but also your leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects. Here are 20 up-to-date interview questions and answers that will help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your knowledge and experience in the field.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a quantity surveyor.
  As a senior quantity surveyor, I have over 10 years of experience working on a variety of projects, including commercial, residential, and industrial. I have extensive knowledge of cost control, budgeting, and contract management, and I have successfully led teams on multimillion-dollar projects.
• 2. How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
  I have a strong attention to detail and I carefully review all my work before submitting it. I also use advanced quantity surveying software to perform calculations and check for errors.
• 3. Can you give an example of a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame any difficulties?
  One project that stands out to me is a large commercial construction project with a tight deadline. The client requested several changes to the design midway through the project, which affected our budget and timeline. I worked closely with the team to renegotiate contracts and make adjustments to the budget, ultimately completing the project on time and under budget.
• 4. How do you handle conflicts within a team?
  I believe in open and honest communication to resolve conflicts. I listen to all parties involved and work towards finding a solution that benefits the project and the team as a whole. If necessary, I involve higher management to mediate and find a resolution.
• 5. How do you stay updated on industry regulations and changes?
  I actively participate in professional development opportunities, such as attending seminars and workshops, reading industry publications, and networking with other quantity surveyors. I also regularly update my knowledge of relevant legislation to ensure compliance on all projects.

Technical Questions

• 6. How do you calculate cost estimates for a project?
  I use a combination of quantity takeoffs, market analysis, and historical data to calculate cost estimates. I also refer to industry standards and project specifications to ensure accuracy.
• 7. Can you explain the process of value engineering?
  Value engineering is a systematic process of reviewing a project to identify ways to reduce costs, maintain quality, and improve performance. It involves analyzing each component of the project to determine its true value and exploring alternative options to achieve the desired result.
• 8. How do you handle cost overruns and delays on a project?
  I proactively monitor the project budget and timeline and take corrective actions as necessary. This may include renegotiating contracts, finding alternative materials or suppliers, or revising the project schedule. I also keep all stakeholders informed of any changes and work towards finding the best solution to minimize the impact on the project.
• 9. How familiar are you with Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
  I have extensive experience working with BIM software to create 3D models, cost estimates, and quantity takeoffs. I also collaborate with other project teams to coordinate information and ensure accuracy in the project's design and construction phases.
• 10. How do you manage risk on a construction project?
  I conduct thorough risk assessments at every stage of the project and develop a risk management plan. This involves identifying potential risks, evaluating their impact, and implementing measures to mitigate or eliminate them. I also regularly review and update the risk management plan as the project progresses.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
  I use a combination of time management techniques and project management tools to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. I also communicate with my team to ensure everyone is working efficiently and can identify any potential roadblocks.
• 12. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult client? How did you handle the situation?
  Yes, I was once working on a project where the client was unsatisfied with the cost estimates I provided. I immediately set up a meeting with the client to discuss their concerns and provided detailed explanations and justifications for my calculations. They were satisfied with my answers and we were able to move forward with the project successfully.
• 13. How do you handle working under pressure?
  I am no stranger to high-pressure situations, and I thrive in them. I stay calm and focused and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. I also communicate any difficulties or concerns with my team and work towards finding solutions together.
• 14. Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to changes on a project?
  On one construction project, the client changed the design and scope of work midway through the project, which had a significant impact on cost and timeline. I quickly reassessed the budget and schedule, and worked with my team to find ways to accommodate the changes while still delivering a high-quality project.
• 15. How do you handle a situation where there is conflicting information or inaccurate data?
  I take the time to verify and validate any information or data I receive to ensure its accuracy. If there is conflicting information, I communicate with all parties involved to clarify and resolve any discrepancies.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if a supplier suddenly increases their prices?
  I would immediately review the contract and any clauses related to price adjustments. If necessary, I would negotiate with the supplier to find a compromise that is mutually beneficial. If the price increase is unreasonable, I would explore alternative suppliers to maintain the project budget.
• 17. If a construction project is behind schedule, how would you get it back on track?
  I would first analyze the reasons for the delay and identify any areas where we can catch up. Then, I would work with my team to prioritize tasks and allocate additional resources to critical areas of the project. I would also communicate with the client and stakeholders and set realistic expectations for the project timeline.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where a subcontractor fails to complete their work on time?
  I would first review the subcontractor's contract and determine if there are any penalties for delays. Then, I would communicate with the subcontractor to understand the reason for the delay and explore ways to get the work back on track. If necessary, I would involve higher management to find a resolution or replace the subcontractor if they are unable to meet their obligations.
• 19. How would you handle conflicts between contractors on a project?
  I would first listen to both parties to understand the issue and then take a neutral approach to find a resolution. This may involve scheduling meetings with all parties involved, reviewing contracts and project plans, and finding a compromise that benefits the project. If necessary, I would involve higher management to mediate and find a solution.
• 20. If you discover an error in your cost estimate after construction has started, what would you do?
  I would immediately inform the project team and stakeholders of the error and provide a revised estimate. I would also work with my team to find ways to minimize the impact on the project and revise the budget and schedule to accommodate the change. I would also ensure that any decisions made and changes implemented are communicated clearly and documented for future reference.