This question seeks to establish whether the candidate has a good understanding of what the job of a QS entails. It's an incisive question that kick-starts the interview with its direct approach.

Their answer should also include:

• Timeline for when a QS is needed during a construction project
• How they qualify to handle the work
• How they meet specific timelines whilst performing all duties

You should ask this question to find out the candidate's preferred work environment and determine whether they fit into your organisation's culture. There are no specific answers to the question.

Check for the following in their answers:

• The ability to maintain a positive perspective regardless of their preferred work environment
• Provision of a reasonable explanation for their choice
• The correspondence between their skills and CV

This question can help you see the candidate's confidence in their background experience and skillset. They should refer to information on their CV, whilst pointing to some job requirements in your job description.

Ensure that you check for the following in their answer:

• Specificity
• Reference to the unique aspects of the open position
• Their ability to derive their explanations from real-life situations

Quantity surveying work includes the interpretation of architectural drawings, measurement of construction work and use of appropriate construction materials, among other things. A candidate should have superb IT skills to handle such tasks effectively.

As they answer this question, they ought to:

• Talk about the specific IT skills they possess
• Detail the relevance of said IT skills to QS work
• Relate to the skills listed on their CV

Time is everything in the construction industry, and a candidate needs to be great at estimating project timelines that allow for zero delays. 

Their response needs to include:

• Tasks, teams, thorough processes and deliverables
• Space for adjustments
• A strict timeline that they can stick to and which aligns with the company's needs

This question lets you know the kind of experience a candidate has in project management and how they deal with challenges. It's a chance for them to show their leadership skills and how they use them during projects.

Their answer should:

• Quote a project they completed recently
• Have evidence of the project's success
• Outline the challenges they had to deal with and the lessons they learned from the project

"I recently took charge of a £114 million project, with the principal aim to ensure completion within the budget and on time. The biggest challenge I faced was leading the team to finish their duties within their allocated timeline. With daily motivational tasks, I led them to complete the project whilst maintaining high standards and we had over £5 million to spare.'

Every construction project has key suppliers and contractors. It's important to know how to liaise with them and deliver a project successfully. This question seeks to establish whether the candidate can form such relationships.

When they answer, they should talk about their:

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage a project to provide a solution

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) operates the management of workplace health and safety in the UK. It ensures that construction sites comply with health and safety regulations. This question queries a candidate's knowledge and what they do to keep themselves updated about the HSE's work.

When answering, the candidate must:

• Offer specific ways they update their knowledge of HSE regulations
• Show their experience with HSE work
• Show their ability to perform extra research

This question seeks to assess whether the candidate understands communication and reporting structures. Preventing cost overruns during construction projects can only happen when there is timely reporting of project metrics.

As they answer, check for:

• Their style of financial management
• Incorporation of the use of technology, if possible
• How they explain themselves using technical terms

This question seeks to assess whether the candidate can actively support other roles to ensure a successful construction project. This includes letting a Project Manager know of any relevant risks.

When answering, they should:

• Show how they will communicate with the Project Manager on time and regularly
• Show that they can manage projects when the Project Manager is away
• Show dependability

"Since most of my duties align with the Project Manager's, at times I assist in performing their duties when they are away. I'll report my activities to them when they return and make sure to keep them informed about my progress as well.'