Writing a good CV as an Estimator needs to include all the typical information that any CV needs such as qualifications, roles and responsibilities, contact information and clear formatting.
However, writing an Estimator CV is slightly more technical, as there are certain aspects of your experience and quality skills which are crucial and need to be added onto your CV. By including the following key points, it will really help to elevate your Estimator CV, and increase your chances of securing an interview.
Estimator Software
The first vital piece of information for an Estimator CV is software. This can include RIB Candy, COINS, or eCMS. It’s important to highlight on your CV what types of estimating software you are familiar with or have experience in. The reason for this is because certain companies will use a specific type of software, so when hiring for an Estimator they will need to know what you have used and if it is the same as the software they are using. Or if it’s different to what they are using, that the software you have used will be easily transferrable to the one they use.
Disciplines you’ve covered whilst being an Estimator
It’s really important to include all the different types of disciplines you’ve covered whilst working as an Estimator on your CV. If you are a civil engineering Estimator you might want to include earthworks, bridges, structures, or drainage. Whereas if you’ve been a rail Estimator you might want to include OLE, telecoms, track, or signalling. This will really help the hiring manager who is viewing your CV distinguish what skills you have, and if they will be relatable to the project they are working on.
Pricing as an Estimator
When writing your CV as an Estimator it’s crucial that you include all the details of what you have priced. This needs to include the project information, such as the name of the job, what sector it is within, the disciplines it covers, and the value of the estimate. We would also recommend including the length of the work, and whether you were working on a large tender, or multiple simultaneously.
It's also important to include anything additional to this, such as whether you have experience using first principle estimating. The reason this is important is because the role you are applying for might need an Estimator who has experience managing multiple small-scale projects, or the experience of working on one large multi-million-pound tender.
Other job titles aside from estimating
It is common for some Estimators to have previously worked as a Quantity Surveyor, Engineer or within other areas of the bid team. If you have worked within these sectors before being an Estimator, it’s important to still include them posts on your CV, especially as they all interlink in some way. Someone who has previously been a Quantity Surveyor for example, will possess many qualities, experience and skills that an Estimator would also need, so make sure you include them on your CV.
Key stakeholders
It is common that the Estimator will need to liaise with other professionals who are working on that tender or project. For example, if you have worked closely with the planners or project managers on that tender, make sure to include that on your CV too. This shows that you have worked with a broad range of stakeholders, who are all working together to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
Looking for a new Estimator job?
We are experts in recruiting Estimators across the rail, civil engineering, power, telecoms, and construction sectors with a variety of clients across the globe. Follow the link below to see what Estimator roles we currently have live.
Need more advice on CV writing?
Below we have listed two further articles which will help you when it comes to CV writing to ensure you have the best quality CV before submitting it against a job.
