An estimate job is one of the most important functions that any business operates. It is the estimator who fixes the cost of buying or producing anything, and a good estimator can make his employer a lot of money. However, get the estimate wrong, and this can cost your employer a lot of money, so you can see just how important it is to get it right, first time.
To apply for an estimator job, you need to be a person who has a practical mind. You must be capable, and comfortable with appreciating how to put a value to whatever it is that your employer sells. From simple back-to-back buying, where you buy a specific article wholesale, or at a specially negotiated price for resale, to a more complicated estimate job such as estimating the building cost of a house, or an automobile, whatever the project is, the estimator's role is vital to the profitability that the seller will make.
To succeed in an estimate job role, you must have an eye for detail, and a want for accuracy. Every estimate that an estimator undertakes must be complied in a way that ensures that all of the materials, the labor, and any ancillary costs are captured. Once this has been done correctly, the selling prices can be calculated to recover the costs incurred, and to contribute money back toward the running costs of the business.
The pursuit of accuracy is the key. A good estimator will not be satisfied until every item has not only been recorded, but also its correct purchase cost cataloged. Despite the title of "estimating", as little as possible is estimated. The best estimators seek out and use the actual costs.
As well as having an analytical mind, an eye for detail, and a practical brain, to be successful in the estimate job role you must also be a good communicator. It is essential to be able to communicate effectively with outside supply sources as well as other internal departments and department heads. Getting the best out of your working colleagues is a valuable skill. Being able to make suggestions, and recommendations, whilst listening to other peoples input, all whilst not giving the impression of interfering; all of these attributes will stand you in good stead.
An estimator job also gives you the opportunity to have valuable input into design, procedures, and methods. A fresh set of eyes and a new mind will often be able to see short cuts in procedure, or alternative materials that can be employed, all of which can save time and therefore money.
An estimator job position is also a great stepping-stone for further progression within any company, although many employers view their best estimators as indispensable members of staff whose contribution is greatly valued. But because an estimator gets to learn all there is to know about a set of products and certain industry sectors, he/she becomes expert in their market niche, thereby gaining the necessary background, knowledge and experience to extend their careers further up the employment ladder.
