Case Study | Successful Recruitment in Construction Disputes
Posted by Nilam Modhwadia, Recruitment Consultant on Monday, September 16, 2024
The construction claims and disputes sector is one of the most challenging and specialised areas in the construction industry to break in to. Likewise, recruiting professionals with the right experience in this niche can be tough, but when done right, it can significantly benefit companies handling disputes and claims on projects as well as offer a lucrative and rewarding career to aspiring disputes professionals.
In this case study, we’ll explore the process by which we recently facilitated the placement of a Quantity Surveyor into her first Quantum Associate role with a global construction consultancy firm. We will highlight the strategies and challenges faced along the way.
The candidate we placed has very kindly shared her experience of working with Maxim Recruitment and some useful tips and advice for others looking to make their first break into this industry.
“Trying to navigate the best time to move from a quantity surveyor role into the world of construction disputes can be a challenging endeavour. If you are like me, you might not have any idea where to start. That is how I found Maxim recruitment who showed me the way in which I could make the transition.
The guidance and support I received from Nilam was absolutely fantastic and I can confidently say I would not have been able to make the transition without her support. Her knowledge from the type of firm to the role and all the information I needed to make the successful transition was immeasurable.
Having just three years’ experience as a QS but possessing a keen interest in Construction disputes, paired with the guidance of Nilam, helped me to secure my role as an Associate at a global leading construction disputes consultancy. Although I was a little apprehensive at first having only three years’ experience as a QS, my opinion is that it has enabled me to start with an open view and an eagerness to learn in this niche industry. The one piece of advice I would give those of similar experience (or lack of) is that if you are interested, willing to learn and certain this is the area you wish to work in then do not wait you could make the transition sooner than you think!”
As mentioned above, I first connected with this candidate when she reached out to me with a strong desire to specialise in construction disputes. Despite being relatively junior and lacking the typical 4-5 years of quantity surveying experience that most firms look for, I quickly recognised her passion and drive. It made me question—what does a QS with four years of experience truly have that a QS with three years doesn’t, especially when ambition is such a key factor?
She already had a solid foundation as a Quantity Surveyor, but what set her apart was her clearly mapped-out career path. She was pursuing an LLM in Construction Law, self-funding her studies, and completing them in her spare time. This wasn’t just someone looking for the next job - this was someone determined to break into disputes, showcasing a serious commitment to her goal. On top of that, she was incredibly personable and client-facing, traits that are often overlooked but crucial in this industry.
Together, we worked on refining her CV to better highlight her relevant experience. Her proactive approach was impressive and demonstrated how serious she was about making her mark. I then took the time to introduce her to a few of the clients I work with, explaining the differences between claims consultancies and expert witness firms. We discussed where her skills and ambitions might be the best fit.
After a few initial pre-interview rejections from clients, we finally got a “Yes” for an interview. I prepped her on the details of the role, the company and the specific experts at the firm. I even gave her some extra bedtime reading about the industry to do! Once again, she took it all in her stride, coming fully prepared for the interview. Unfortunately, while the client was impressed, they ultimately felt she was too junior for the position.
Whilst we were naturally disappointed, neither of us gave up. We took a short break in our search, but I kept her CV at the top of my list. A couple of months later, a new role came in—one originally intended for a more senior candidate. However, I felt strongly about her potential and the hiring manager decided to give her a chance. She now had the benefit of prior interview experience in the disputes field and a deeper understanding of the industry.
This time, things aligned perfectly. Despite the journey taking longer than expected, she secured a role as a Quantum Associate with a prestigious global disputes consultancy - and at a higher salary than we had anticipated!
While she generously credits me for helping her land the role, some credit also goes to the forward-thinking firm for recognising her potential and willingness to invest in her growth, and to the candidate herself for her unwavering determination. Even in the face of setbacks, she remained tenacious—a vital trait in this industry.
The lesson here? If you’re truly passionate about something, don’t give up. Persistence pays off.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there”
If you are an aspiring construction claims and disputes professional, and don’t know where to begin feel free to reach out to myself, or take a look at the range of entry-level Quantum and Delay positions we have on our website.
Nilam is a Recruitment Consultant based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK. She supports the team with researching, headhunting, shortlisting, and interviewing valuable construction industry candidates, to place them in premium construction jobs with our market-leading UK and international clients.