Job adverts demonstrate the skills employers value. The following adverts appeared in Drapers Record on November 16th 2001:

TRAINEE ASSISTANT MERCHANDISER

Our client, a leading ladies fashion retailer have an excellent opportunity for an Allocator with at least one year's experience to join their merchandising function. With strong communication and numerical skills, your success will be recognised and rewarded with a competitive package.

RANGE MANAGER - MEN'S SHOES

You'll need to be a real team player and an effective negotiator and communicator...

This is an extract from an advert placed by RR Donnelley Financial in September 2000:

• Strong analytical skills and ingenuity to provide logical solutions to nonstandard issues
• Strong mathematical aptitude as well as well developed communication skills (written and verbal)
• Computer literate (including working knowledge of Excel and Word)
• Requires resourcefulness, organisational skills and ability to coordinate activities across company functions
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle multiple tasks
• Exceptional attention to detail and problem solving skills