Technical Cost Estimator
Also known as: Estimator · Quantity Surveyor Technical
Calculates the costs of technical projects based on drawings and specifications, and prepares quotations and budgets.
The technical cost estimator translates a technical design into a cost price and quotation, usually before a project starts. Unlike a work planner, who plans execution, the emphasis here lies on financial calculation beforehand. Selection often tests numerical skill, while the ability to price a quotation sharply without losing sight of margin or feasibility is rarely tested.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety awareness Competency (50-framework): Discipline Knockout | N4 | Big Fifty, Competency Check | Situational Judgement Test | Recognises unsafe situations in own process, intervenes and addresses colleagues without bringing the work to a halt. |
| Numerical reasoning Knockout | N4 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Combines two data sources, calculates the development over time and explains which calculation step leads to which result. |
| Discipline and keeping commitments Competency (50-framework): Discipline | N3 | Big Fifty, 15PF, 360 Feedback | Personality questionnaire | Commits only to what is feasible, tracks own commitments and informs those involved as soon as a deadline comes under pressure. |
| Spatial ability | N3 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Derives the build up of the end product from a two dimensional drawing and reports where parts do not fit. |
| Demonstrating ownership Competency (50-framework): Results-Orientation | N3 | Big Fifty, 360 Feedback, Competency Check | 360-degree feedback | Repairs mistakes in own process unprompted, informs stakeholders and adjusts the working method to prevent a repeat. |
| Managing workload pressure Competency (50-framework): Stress resilience | N3 | Big Fifty, Competency Check, Pulse Survey | Structured interview | Cuts or shifts tasks independently when busy on the basis of importance, records this and discusses consequences with clients. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Technical understanding | N4 | 5 | yes | Knowledge test |
| G | Safety awareness | N4 | 5 | yes | Situational Judgement Test |
| V | Mechanical maintenance | N3 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Recognising and resolving machine faults | N3 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| A | Numerical reasoning | N4 | 4 | yes | Cognitive ability test |
| V | Budgeting and cost control | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Problem analysis | N3 | 4 | no | Assessment centre |
| V | Quality control | N3 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| G | Discipline and keeping commitments | N3 | 4 | no | Personality questionnaire |
| V | Electrical engineering work | N3 | 4 | no | Certificate or diploma |
See all 23 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Pulse Survey
Periodic measurement at the team and organizational levels
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
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