Barrat Redrow Interview

Question 1

Skills I have for this role

Answer 1

• Strong mathematical and analytical skills enhance during my A Levels
• Passionate about the role and have done independent learning to further my understanding
• Proactive and driven to work and create success in role at Royal Marsden when I worked towards clearing a year long backlog
• Can work effectively in a team to meet common objectives as demonstrated at Royal Marsden when I worked across several teams
• Organised when managing tasks and communicate well with all parties shown when working at Royal Marsden
• Can communicate to offer or ask for support as shown in role at Royal Marsden
• Good attention to detail and have effective time management as demonstrated in my role at the Royal Marsden

Question 2

My understanding of the role as a QS

Answer 2

Pre-Contract:
* Cost planning and estimating
* Attendance at Design / client meetings
* Assisting senior staff in the preparation of documentation
* Procuring construction works and managing tender processes
* Compilation of contract documentation
Post Contract
* Attendance at site progress meetings
* Completion of Valuations
* Financial reporting

Question 3

Personal achievements

Answer 3

• Cleared a yearlong back log within 3 months of working at Royal Marsden, required me to work with different people across several teams and undertake different tasks to clear the data. As a result, it cleared the backlog and helped the hospital’s system to run smoother.
• At GXO warehouse regularly achieved a pick rate of over 110%

Question 4

Teamwork/collaboration abilities

Answer 4

• Have demonstrated I can work effectively with multi discipline team to meet common objectives as demonstrated at Royal Marsden when I worked as part of their private patients billing team

Question 5

Communication skills

Answer 5

• Demonstrated good communication skills in my previous role at the Royal Marsden when I worked across several teams and had regular meetings with the various teams to discuss any issues with the system or billing. Also when to offer support to others to assist with their workload or be prepared to ask for support when required. As many people worked remotely a lot of the communication was through MS teams or through texts or calls.

Question 6

Growth/development shown

Answer 6

• I have shown development and growth in my previous role at the Royal Marsden when I learnt a new system which meant I could bill patients. This meant I was able to help others and work with more teams to prevent a backlog

Question 7

Technical knowledge I have of the role

Answer 7

• I have experience with cost plans and reports, bills of quantities, design team meetings, progress meetings, site visits and have used RIB CostX to measure the areas and perimeters of designs
• I have taught myself the 8 RIBA stages and what should happen at each stage
• Also learnt the differences between NEC and JCT contract and the pricing options (A-F) under the NEC contract

Question 8

What is the role?

Answer 8

• Controlling costs and driving best value for all aspects of projects
• Involved on projects from the beginning, controlling and reporting on cost
• Throughout the development process setting site budgets and targets, monitoring costs and negotiating contracts with suppliers
• Assist the Quantity Surveyor in managing subcontractors, materials and goods
• Assist in the accurate costing and cost control for each aspect of site development
• Assist with the compilation of all departmental reports and attend meetings as required
• Provide administrative support for the team whilst maintaining relevant filing and database systems

Question 9

Why me?

Answer 9

• I am Enthusiastic, willing to learn and hard working, committed to excellence
• I am really interested in quantity surveying and have sought after some work experience and independent learning to understand the role more
• Dedicated learner and worker who strives to do their best everyday
• A team player who is kind and supportive and looks to build good working relationships to best achieve the best outcome for any tasks or work projects
• I am a strategic thinker who remains calm and focused even during pressured situations

Question 10

Why Barrat Redrow?

Answer 10

• Strong reputation in the industry
• Innovative approach and forward thinking company
• Committed to putting customers first which is necessary in the industry
• Opportunity to apply classroom learning with the practical responsibilities of a quantity surveyor
• The high level of support offered, including a dedicated manager who will guide me through daily challenges and conduct regular reviews alongside a mentor to ensure I reach my potential
• Sustainable commitment through targets like achieving zero carbon for all new house types by 2030

Question 11

How do I manage workload?

Answer 11

• I manage workload through prioritising tasks that need to be completed soon to ensure I meet deadlines
• Also communicate any issues with my manager or team to ensure I can complete my workload and ask for support if necessary
• Willing to work overtime to meet deadlines

Question 12

How do I deal with conflict?

Answer 12

• I deal with conflict in a team by remaining neutral as this can cause a divide within the team as I have experienced in my role at GXO
• Ensure the conflict is resolved in a sensible manner and that both parties are able to have their say and talk about any issues