Quantity surveyors are, as ever, in short supply. Employers realise that to get the best surveyors coming on to the market they have to move fast.
There have been cases of companies writing letters offering a job while the candidate waits in reception after the interview. This may seem extreme, but the recruitment process for surveyors is moving quicker than ever.

One knock-on effect of the continued shortage is on salaries.

A survey carried out by Hays Montrose and Building showed salaries of qualified QSs up 5-6% during 2000.

Increasing demand has also created a more flexible approach from employers. More companies are encouraging their senior surveyors to go out and train the younger surveyors, passing on their experience and knowledge and fast-tracking the young surveyors' development.

However, there are two areas in which particular recruitment problems have been noted. The first is for people at project QS level, about to make the move to senior QS and with experience of the full financial control of projects. The second area is for graduates. Surprising maybe, but good graduates with the ability to be a real "face" for the company are rare. "Look good, sound good" skills are essential for today's surveyor.

Industry developments have also affected demand. The changes in housing projects have led to a change in the types of surveyor needed.

The increase in refurbishment and brownfield projects has opened doors for surveyors with contracting experience. In the housing market today, a mixture of traditional development and contracting experience is a winning combination.

But it is not all going the surveyors' way. Many surveyors are reporting increasing stress levels as they are expected to do more and more for the project. The surveyor's role is broadening and in many instances will include the procurement, some project management and all client negotiation and liaison on top of the surveying function. A case of employers wanting to get their money's worth?

Source

Construction Manager