Hi,Does any one know of a way in which the ability to crack the FT crossword could be utilized to gain an advantage in the job market, however miniscule??Something like you meet a fellow in the tube doing this crossword and he is stuck at " Mom is one, dad another (10)" and you come up with Palindrome and he turns out to be a trader and you get to send him your cv at least!

Well... i guess its possible!I personally don't know anyone who does the FT crossword on a regular basis, and certainly no traders! (either they are illiterate, or they have read and discarded the FT by 7am)Anyone who can do Wednesdays has my respect.

No luck on palindromes but how about anagrams?QUANTITATIVE FINANCE = FANATIC QUANT INVITEEPut that on your name tag at a conference!

MoshkaI guess it all depends on who the Crossword compiler is! If you can crack Arucaria (or whatever he passes under for the FT) it isn't truly a technical skill, more that of a wordsmith and rule-breaker, as his crosswords drift from Standard. Others who do the FT crossword are more within the rules, and try to confuse within the traditional confines of the cryptic (explained as being like Mozart and Beethoven of Crossword composition).If the person is keen on crosswords, they may look into it this far!All the same, a copy of the FT with a completed crossword under your arm at an interview will certainly unnerve your opponents for the role...