THERE'S no doubt about it. When it comes to writing out job advertisements British employers know their onions.

Take Gardening Which? for example. It is looking for an experienced gardening journalist, who is capable of "spearheading campaigns with hard hitting investigative copy" as well as writing "topical and interesting" features based on thorough research.

It says gardening knowledge may come from professional interest or a "personal passion" for the subject, but candidates will be expected to know the difference between a "Stinking Hellebore and a Lenten Rose".

No doubt the successful applicant will be able to dig up a few stories.

Employers are famous for specifying what you must have, but Broadcast, the weekly newspaper for the television and radio industry, was also clear on what is not required for a senior sub editing post it advertised this week. It said that the successful candidate will deputise for the chief sub in his absence and will need to be reliable and calm under pressure. "Sense of humour not essential," is the closing line.