November 25, 2024
Quantity Surveyors: Officially The Most in Demand in Construction
Author: Davin Dhillon
Date: November 25, 2024
Categories:
Hiring
Quantity Surveyors: The Most Sought-After Professionals in Construction
The numbers are staggering. Early data had suggested that the total number of Quantity Surveyor roles advertised across all levels was around 25,000. However, updated figures now reveal the true scale of the demand: 42,959 roles advertised over the past year on CV-Library alone.
Ready for it - that's 118 new Quantity Surveyor job ads fighting for attention every day
To put this into perspective, the next highest role, Site Manager, had 24,038 job ads—a difference of nearly 19,000 postings. This makes Quantity Surveyors the most sought-after professionals in the entire construction industry by a long, long way.
"Quantity Surveyors not only lead the market in job postings but also underperform significantly in attracting applications and views."
This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the vital role Quantity Surveyors play. The right QS is the backbone of any project, driving cost control, financial accuracy, and project delivery. Without them, deadlines are missed, budgets spiral, and client relationships falter. Quantity Surveyors aren’t just in demand—they’re essential. And the competition for their expertise has never been fiercer.
The True Scale of Demand
What’s even more alarming is that this data reflects only one job board—CV-Library. There are countless other platforms, job aggregators, and recruiters advertising for QS roles. The true number of opportunities is almost certainly far higher, which underscores the sheer scale of the shortage.
However, relying on job ads as a major part of your strategy has become a redundant strategy. The reality is that most recruitment methods, including those employed by internal recruiters and even traditional construction recruitment agencies,
lean heavily on job boards to source candidates. In today’s market, that’s simply not enough. Job ads are saturated, passive candidates aren’t engaging with them, and businesses relying solely on these channels are finding themselves left behind.
Candidates: Power Comes with Responsibility
If you’re a Quantity Surveyor, you’re in the driver’s seat. The high demand for your skills gives you unprecedented power to choose your next role carefully. However, with this power comes responsibility. The intense competition for QS talent means companies are pulling out all the stops to attract candidates—sometimes making promises they can’t keep. It’s crucial for you to stay cautious.
Now, more than ever, you must focus on finding opportunities that genuinely align with your long-term career aspirations. Here’s how to navigate this competitive market:
• Work with a Specialist Recruiter: Build a relationship with a recruiter who operates in an executive search capacity. These recruiters have access to opportunities you won’t find elsewhere and can help you identify roles that truly support your goals.
• Do Your Research: Don’t just rely on the job description or interview promises. Speak to ex-colleagues or others in your network who’ve worked at the company to get an honest view of its culture, leadership, and future prospects.
• Ask the Right Questions: During interviews, dig deeper into the company’s long-term vision, career development plans, and how they invest in their employees. Make sure the role isn’t just a good fit now but will support your career in the years to come.
Clients: Rethink Your Recruitment Strategy
For companies planning to hire Quantity Surveyors in 2025, the message is clear: the old ways of recruiting no longer work. Job boards are oversaturated, and traditional recruitment methods fall short in reaching passive candidates—the talent that isn’t actively searching but would move for the right opportunity. To stand out in this competitive market, you need to embrace innovative strategies.
"Internal recruiters and even traditional construction recruitment agencies, lean heavily on job boards to source candidates."
Here’s what businesses can do to attract and retain top QS talent:
• Invest in Executive Search: Partnering with a recruiter who operates in an executive search capacity will help you access the passive candidate market. These professionals don’t apply to job ads—they need to be approached directly with tailored opportunities.
approached directly with tailored opportunities.
• Offer Referral Bonuses: Your existing employees are a valuable resource. Offering referral bonuses for employees who can connect you with a talented QS is a strong way to attract passive candidates and leverage your team’s network.
• Build Long-Term Relationships: Recruiting the right QS isn’t just about filling a vacancy—it’s about finding someone who aligns with your company’s values and long-term vision. Build relationships with potential candidates, even if they aren’t ready to move immediately.
• Focus on Retention: With so many opportunities available, retaining your current QS team is as important as attracting new talent. Ensure competitive salaries, clear career progression, and a culture that makes them want to stay.
The Way Forward
The Quantity Surveyor market has shifted dramatically. The power lies with the candidates, and businesses must adapt to this reality. Whether you’re a candidate or a company, the key is to focus on long-term relationships, transparency, and alignment with goals. For candidates, it’s about finding roles that truly support their ambitions. For companies, it’s about stepping away from outdated recruitment methods and embracing strategies that actively engage the best talent.
The demand for Quantity Surveyors is staggering—and it’s not slowing down. The question is, are you prepared to navigate this new reality?
