Question 01
Why Quantity Surveying — what drew you to the commercial and cost side?
What they want to hear
"A genuine answer about numbers, commercial management and the financial control of projects. Show you understand that QS is the financial backbone of construction — cost planning, procurement, valuation and contract management. If you have any commercial experience however small, use it."
Avoid
"I am good with numbers." Show commercial awareness not just numeracy. Confusing QS with building surveying or project management.
Question 02
What does a Quantity Surveyor actually do on a construction project?
What they want to hear
"Cost planning from feasibility through to completion, procurement and tendering, contract administration, interim valuations, variations, final account — and commercial risk management throughout. Show you understand the full project lifecycle not just one part of it."
Avoid
Describing only one phase of the QS role. Vague answers about "managing costs on projects."
Question 03
Tell me about a time you managed competing priorities or worked under pressure.
What they want to hear
"A specific STAR example — ideally showing organisation, commercial judgement or analytical thinking under time pressure. QS is deadline-driven. Show you can prioritise and deliver when multiple things are urgent at once."
Avoid
Vague answers about being "busy". No clear outcome or personal contribution described.
Question 04
What do you know about construction contracts — specifically JCT?
What they want to hear
"JCT — Joint Contracts Tribunal — the most widely used suite of standard form contracts in UK construction. JCT Standard Building Contract, Design and Build, Minor Works. Know that the form of contract chosen affects risk allocation between employer and contractor, and that a QS needs to understand the contract to administer it properly."
Avoid
Not knowing what JCT stands for. Confusing the contract form with the contract documents.
Question 05
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What they want to hear
"MRICS — Chartered Quantity Surveyor. Name the pathway. Show you understand the APC requires structured competency development from day one and that this firm's training is part of why you are applying here specifically."
Avoid
Anything vague about career progression. Not mentioning the APC or MRICS.
Questions to ask them
Close well — these impress in a QS interview
Ask these
"What sectors does your QS team focus on — infrastructure, residential, commercial? How early do graduates get involved in tender processes and cost planning? How is APC counsellor support structured here?"
Never ask
Salary at first interview. Questions answered on the firm's website. Nothing at all.
What is NRM and why does it matter to a QS?
How to approach it
RICS New Rules of Measurement — the standard basis for measuring and describing construction work in the UK. NRM1 covers order of cost estimating and cost planning. NRM2 covers detailed measurement for bills of quantities. Knowing NRM exists and that it provides a consistent basis for cost planning signals professional awareness before you have started.
What is the difference between a lump sum and a remeasurement contract?
How to approach it
Lump sum — the contractor agrees to complete the works for a fixed price. Risk of cost overrun sits primarily with the contractor. Remeasurement — the final price is determined by measuring the actual work carried out. More risk for the client but used where scope cannot be fully defined at tender. Firms love this because it tests whether you understand commercial risk allocation.
What is a variation and how is it valued?
How to approach it
A variation is any change to the contracted scope of works — instructed by the contract administrator. Under JCT contracts, variations are typically valued using the contract rates where applicable, or fair rates where no applicable rate exists. Unmanaged variations are one of the most common causes of final account disputes.
What are the main procurement routes and when would you use each?
How to approach it
Traditional — design then tender, client retains more control. Design and Build — contractor takes responsibility for design and construction, faster programme. Management contracting — used on large complex projects. The choice depends on the client's priorities: cost certainty, programme, risk transfer or design control. Show you understand these are commercial decisions not just technical ones.
How does the Building Safety Levy affect QS cost planning?
How to approach it
The Building Safety Levy applies to most new residential development in England from October 2026 and must be paid before work is completed. This must be factored into development appraisals and pre-contract cost plans from the outset. It affects the client's development viability and the QS's cost advice at feasibility stage.
STAR method — answer every competency question this way
S
Situation — set the scene briefly. One or two sentences.
T
Task — what was your specific responsibility or challenge?
A
Action — what did you personally do? This is the most important part.
R
Result — what was the outcome? Quantify where possible.
2026 changes every QS candidate must know
Building Safety Levy (Oct 2026) — new levy on new residential development, must factor into cost plans from feasibility
Two Staircase Rule (Sep 2026) — residential buildings over 18m must have two staircases — affects floor plates, gross-to-net ratios and cost per unit
40% First-Year Allowance (Jan 2026) — new capital allowance on qualifying plant and machinery — relevant to client investment decisions
BNG Expansion (May 2026) — mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain extended to NSIPs — affects infrastructure project cost planning
Future Homes Standard (Dec 2026) — higher energy efficiency spec for new homes increases build costs — must be in residential cost plans
What strong QS candidates do that others do not
✓
Show commercial awareness. Reference interest rates, construction cost inflation, supply chain pressures — show you read the industry news.
✓
Know the firm's sectors. Infrastructure, residential, commercial — identify what this firm focuses on and relate your interest to it.
✓
Use the right language. Cost plan, procurement route, contract form, variation, final account — show you know the terminology.
✓
Ask about early responsibility. QS roles can be very junior or very involved early — asking about tender involvement signals ambition.
✓
Mention the APC. Name the QS pathway. Show you know MRICS is the goal and the journey begins from day one.
A typical week for a graduate Quantity Surveyor
Monday — office: updating cost plans for a residential scheme, reviewing tender returns
Tuesday — site visit for monthly valuation, measuring completed works with the contractor
Wednesday — university study day (or block release) — degree alongside work
Thursday — assisting with tender documents and bills of quantities for a new project
Friday — reviewing variation claims, updating APC diary, attending team meeting
APC preparation begins from week one — diary entries, competency evidence, counsellor reviews