Building Surveyor CV Example [+ 2024 Guide & Tips]

Sobhan Mohmand, CV Writing Expert          8 Nov 2023

Are you looking to write your perfect Building Surveyor CV?

Crafting a well-structured and compelling CV that highlights your qualifications, relevant experience and key achievements is essential to secure a job in this competitive industry.

In this article, we will provide you with a complete step-by-step guide, useful tips and examples to help you create the ideal CV that will make you stand out from the crowd. Let’s get started!

• Building surveyor CV example
• Download CV template (Word format)
• How to format your CV
• How to write a perfect CV (a step-by-step guide)
• Personal profile statement example
• Duties to add to your CV
• Useful skills to add to your CV
• Tips on making your CV more effective

CV Example

Preview

What makes this CV good and effective?

Personal Profile Statement:
A concise and well-written personal profile that introduces the candidate, highlights key skills and expresses career aspirations. Emphasises a wide range of experience, including infrastructure projects, civil engineering works, and various types of refurbishments.

Achievements:
Lists academic accomplishments and vocational qualifications, showcasing a strong educational background. Highlights practical experience in managing and overseeing diverse construction projects.

Work Experience:
Comprehensive and detailed description of responsibilities and achievements in the current role. Demonstrates the ability to manage a variety of projects, conduct surveys, and provide valuable advice to clients. Shows a strong understanding of health and safety regulations, building codes, and environmental considerations. Indicates experience in project management, client interactions, and subcontractor supervision.

Skills:
Lists key skills and competencies related to the profession, including organisational, technical, and IT skills. Demonstrates an understanding of construction regulations and the ability to manage budgets effectively.

Format and design:
The candidate’s CV not only excels in content but also in format and design. It features a clear, structured layout with well-defined headings and concise bullet points, enhancing readability and ensuring that essential information is readily accessible to potential employers.

Download CV template

Download

Are you writing your CV from scratch or is your CV template outdated? Download this professional CV template to impress employers!

• Free
• Save time and effort
• Guaranteed correct CV structure
• Word document (.docx) format
• Fully customisable

How to save your CV as a PDF document:

• Click on File > Save As > Select “PDF” from the drop-down menu.

How to format your CV

• Utilise a clear structure: Adopt a clear and logical structure for your CV. Start with a compelling personal profile statement summarising your expertise and enthusiasm for building surveying, followed by achievements, employment, education, professional qualifications, skills, hobbies and references section.
• Choose a professional CV font: Select a clean and professional font for your CV, such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or overly stylised fonts that may be distracting.
• Use colour sparingly: Consider using a professional colour palette for headings, borders, or accents. Shades of blue, grey, or black are typically safe choices. Avoid using too many colours, as it can make your CV appear cluttered and unprofessional.
• Highlight key skills: Emphasise essential skills such as technical proficiency in surveying software, construction knowledge, and attention to detail. You can create a dedicated section for this purpose and name it “Skills” or “Skills and abilities.”
• Showcase relevant experience: Prioritise your work experience, placing your most recent and relevant roles at the top. Describe your achievements and responsibilities in detail, demonstrating your ability to manage construction projects or assess building conditions. Refer to the job’s personal specifications to get an idea of what kinds of experiences the employer values.
• Provide accurate contact information: We have heard many horror stories from employers who couldn’t get hold of applicants to offer them the job because they had made mistakes in writing their contact information. Ensure your contact details are up-to-date, including your email address and phone number.
• Be concise: Keep your CV concise, focusing on key information and avoiding unnecessary details.

How to Write a Building Surveyor CV

Personal information

Your CV’s personal information section is where you provide essential information about yourself, making it easy for employers to contact you. It should include your full name, address, phone number and professional email address.

• Samuel Brown
• 32 Skeet Street, Glasgow, G2 8EF
  
• Mob: 07987 654321       Email: [email protected]

Personal profile

The personal profile section of your CV is where you introduce yourself to potential employers. It’s vital because it’s the first thing they read, and it gives them a snapshot of who you are professionally.

In this section, you should briefly describe your key skills, experience and what makes you a strong fit for the job you’re applying for, allowing the employer to quickly understand your suitability for the role.

Related: Best personal qualities and attributes to put on a CV.

Guidelines:

• Keep It Brief: Limit your personal profile to 2-3 concise sentences.
  Example: “Experienced building surveyor with strong project management skills.”
• Tailor to the Role: Match your profile to the job requirements.
  Example: “Skilled in site inspections and project cost reduction.”
• Highlight Achievements: Mention standout accomplishments.
  Example: “Led a team, reducing project costs by 20%.”

Building surveyor personal profile example:

As a seasoned Building Surveyor, I bring a wealth of expertise in conducting comprehensive property assessments. My track record includes identifying structural issues in a historic building, leading to its successful restoration and delivering cost-effective maintenance plans for commercial properties. I’m dedicated to ensuring the longevity and safety of structures while adding value to every project.

Accomplishments

The accomplishments section of your CV is like a spotlight on your standout moments. It’s where you list your key achievements in bullet points.

This is the place to showcase your awards, promotions, outstanding grades and other milestones that demonstrate your skills and excellence in your career or academic journey.

It helps employers see the tangible results you’ve achieved, making you a stronger candidate for the job.

• Promoted to Senior Surveyor within two years for consistently exceeding project goals.
• Organized a charity fundraiser, raising £5,000 for a local children’s hospital.
• Implemented sustainable building practices, resulting in a 15% reduction in carbon footprint for a client’s project.
• Achieved a perfect safety record on construction sites, ensuring the well-being of all team members.

Employment and work experience

The employment section of your CV provides a detailed record of your work history, including your job positions, responsibilities and accomplishments in previous roles.

When writing this section, it’s important to list your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job, as this allows employers to quickly see your current and most relevant experience first.

Avoid including outdated work entries like short-term or irrelevant jobs, early career roles, and skills that are no longer relevant, as they can clutter your CV and divert attention from your current qualifications and career goals.

Building surveyor duties to add to your CV

1. Conducting detailed property assessments, identifying structural issues and providing comprehensive reports.
2. Offering expert advice on building regulations and compliance with relevant laws.
3. Preparing and managing maintenance plans to ensure the longevity and safety of structures.
4. Coordinating with architects, contractors and clients to ensure project success.
5. Utilizing advanced surveying equipment and technology for accurate data collection.
6. Evaluating the environmental impact of construction and suggesting sustainable practices.
7. Leading and mentoring junior surveyors to enhance their professional development.
8. Overseeing the execution of restoration and renovation projects, ensuring historical preservation.
9. Managing budgets and project timelines to meet client expectations and financial goals.
10. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, regulations and best practices in building surveying.

Educational background

The education section of your CV provides a summary of your academic qualifications, including degrees, institutions attended and relevant dates.

Guidelines:

• List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or qualification.
• Include the name of the institution, the degree earned and the completion date for each qualification.
• If applicable, mention any relevant honours, awards or special achievements in your academic history.

Qualifications

In this section of your CV, you should list your professional qualifications and training, showcasing any relevant certifications, memberships and vocational courses to highlight your expertise in the field.

For a building surveyor role, it should highlight professional qualifications such as RICS membership, Chartered Building Surveyor status, Health and Safety certifications, software skills (e.g., AutoCAD, BIM) and specialised training in areas like historic building conservation, structural engineering and project management.

• Level 6 RICS Chartered Surveyor – Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• HND in Building Surveying – University of Reading
• Level 3 NVQ in Surveying and Valuation – National Construction College
• Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment – City & Guilds
• A-Level in Mathematics (A*) – Surrey College

Skills and abilities

In this section, you should highlight your specific competencies and capabilities that make you a valuable professional in the field.
Include a concise list of both technical and soft skills as both types of skills or essential for the role.

For example, technical skills like “Structural Analysis” or “Project Management” demonstrate your professional expertise, while soft skills such as “Effective Communication” and “Problem-Solving” reveal your ability to collaborate and handle challenges in the role.

Related: Examples of the best skills and competencies to add to your CV.

• Structural analysis: Proficient in assessing the structural integrity of buildings, identifying weaknesses, and recommending remedial actions. For instance, I conducted a comprehensive structural assessment of a historic property, leading to cost-effective reinforcement solutions
• Technical report writing: Proficient in preparing detailed technical reports, including survey findings and recommendations, in a clear and concise manner. My reports have been praised for their clarity and for assisting clients in making informed decisions.
• CAD and surveying software: Proficient in using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD and surveying tools for precise measurements and drafting accurate plans.

10 useful building surveyor skills to add to your CV

1. Client communication: Effective communication with clients, addressing concerns, and providing project updates.
2. Project management: Ability to oversee construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets.
3. Structural analysis: Proficiency in assessing the integrity of buildings to identify weaknesses and recommend necessary actions.
4. Building regulations compliance: Knowledge of UK building regulations and standards to ensure project compliance with legal requirements.
5. Technical report writing: Skill in preparing clear and concise technical reports, summarising survey findings and recommendations.
6. Problem-solving: Capacity to identify and resolve complex issues that may arise during survey and construction phases.
7. CAD proficiency: Proficient in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for drafting and planning.
8. Surveying tools: Mastery of surveying instruments and equipment to gather precise measurements.
9. Risk assessment: Ability to identify potential risks in construction projects and develop mitigation strategies.
10. Cost estimation: Skill in accurately estimating project costs and managing budgets.

Hobbies & interests

Your CV’s hobbies and interests section offers a glimpse into your personality and interests beyond the professional realm.

You can include hobbies that demonstrate your passion, skills or involvement in activities that may be relevant to the role.

For example, you might mention your interest in architecture, volunteering in construction-related charities or participating in team sports, illustrating your commitment and teamwork abilities.

However, it’s important to strike a balance and only include hobbies that are genuinely meaningful and can positively contribute to your professional image.

Professional references

The references section is where you provide the names and contact information of individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities and character.

Typically, these are people who have worked with you in a professional capacity and can speak about your skills, work ethic and qualifications.

What details you should include for each reference:

• Name: Include the full name of your reference.
• Title: Mention the reference’s job title or position.
• Company: State the name of the company or organisation where your reference works.
• Contact information: Provide the reference’s contact details, which usually include their email address and phone number.

Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”

Tips to make your CV more effective

• Highlight relevant qualifications: Start your CV by listing your qualifications, certifications and memberships in industry-related bodies. For example, if you’re a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), make sure to include it prominently.
• Quantify achievements: Use numbers to demonstrate your accomplishments. For example, “Conducted 100+ structural surveys in 2022, identifying critical issues in 30% of cases” shows the impact of your work.
• Highlight problem-solving abilities: Describe how you’ve resolved complex issues in previous roles, such as mitigating structural damage or finding cost-effective solutions to building defects.
• Avoid jargon: While industry-specific terms are important, ensure your CV is accessible to non-specialists by explaining technical terms or acronyms when necessary.
• Showcase leadership and teamwork: Building surveyors often work in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively and, if applicable, your experience in leading teams.