How to Attract Top UK-Based Quantity Surveyors for International Projects

Attracting skilled UK quantity surveyors for international construction jobs is a competitive challenge. As a leading construction recruitment agency, we specialise in helping global firms source the best UK-based talent for overseas opportunities. Here's how to optimise your recruitment strategy and stand out in a busy construction job site marketplace.

Clarity in Job Descriptions

One of the most common issues in quantity surveyor job advertising is vagueness. Generic phrases like “competitive salary” or “must be a team player” are not enough to attract serious candidates in today's market. To improve the appeal of your listing:

• Be specific about quantity surveyor responsibilities, including the sector (infrastructure, oil & gas, commercial), location, and project duration.
• Clearly state if the role involves remote working during pre-construction phases.
• Outline quantity surveyor qualifications required, such as RICS or CIOB chartership, and whether international equivalents are accepted.
• Avoid industry jargon that could alienate potential candidates unfamiliar with internal acronyms. For example, “liaise with PMs and QSHE on CAPEX in LME” adds confusion rather than clarity. Always speak the language of your target audience—UK construction jobs candidates.
  
  

Make Salary and Benefits Transparent

Compensation remains a top priority for candidates searching quantity surveyor salary benchmarks. Phrases like “negotiable” or “DOE” (dependent on experience) can be too vague, especially for overseas QS jobs. Candidates want to understand:

• Salary or salary range (varying by seniority or experience level)
• Whether accommodation and transport allowances are provided in addition
• Whether local tax laws in destination country allow tax-free or favourable taxation of salary (subject to candidate own situation and circumstance)
• Whether a relocation package is provided
• If an end-of-contract bonus or promotion opportunity is available to employees who have done particularly well

Including this information early in your job advert will improve both trust and increase response rates from quality candidates.

Sell the Role with Unique Selling Points

Too many international roles fail to highlight their USPs. Instead of saying, “Join our global team,” focus on what makes the opportunity stand out:

• Detail a high-profile international project
• Explain great opportunities to gain exposure to NEC, FIDIC, or JCT contracts
• Outline the career progression to commercial leadership roles
• Explain any support for professional development like CPD, RICS, or NEC4 training etc

These details can be the deciding factor for professionals looking for careers in construction abroad and may decide whether they apply for a particular job or not.

Work with Experts in Quantity Surveyor Recruitment

For over 20 years, Maxim Recruitment has connected UK quantity surveyors and a range of other construction professionals with exciting global opportunities. Our experience in QS recruitment for regions like the Middle East, Canada, and Hong Kong makes us a trusted partner in your international hiring strategy.

By working with a specialist construction recruitment consultant, you’ll access a network of vetted professionals who are ready to work on challenging projects abroad. We also help you tailor your job descriptions to match UK industry standards and expectations, increasing your reach across relevant construction job boards and platforms.

Ready to Hire?

Whether you're recruiting for Dubai quantity surveyor jobs, Hong Kong engineering roles, or construction jobs in Canada, Maxim Recruitment is your go-to construction industry recruitment agency. Contact us today to find the right talent for your next international project.

Steve Thomas
Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada
Maxim Recruitment
LinkedIn

Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.