How important is your job in determining eligibility? Does a barrister rate higher than a banker in the love stakes?

Based in London, Drawing Down the Moon has 1500 members drawn from the professional, business and creative worlds. An original feature of the company is that members can actually select partners themselves from hand-written profiles and photos as well as having partners chosen for them by agency consultants.

The annual analysis of who chooses whom (which involved over 15,000 selections in 1998), coupled with the feedback members give consultants provides a valuable insight into what turns Britons on. The report reflects that whilst an individual’s character and physical appearance are important, ultimately the greatest turn-on (or off) as far as long term relationships are concerned, is job kudos. Money matters, but so does esteem, stability, responsibility and security.

A key factor to attraction also appears to be approachability and how easy-going someone is perceived to be. Workaholics take note, if you’re burning the midnight oil behind a desk, then chances are the opposite sex would have left the building a long time ago. Whilst doctors are always positioned high in the DDM Top 10, especially with the help of George Clooney et al, long and irregular hours can still be a distinct turn-off.

Women should take heart that men on the search for a touch of glamour prefer actresses rather than super-aloof models. DDM’s advice is to present a light-hearted image particularly important for those working in "serious-minded" careers, such as doctors, bankers and stockbrokers – scrap the Wagner CD’s and grab some Garbage!

The old adage that "opposite attract" is a social myth, unless it’s a one-night stand you’re after. Despite many professionals desire to look for partners from a different working environment, often doctors end up with doctors and teachers end up with teachers.

The 1990’s is the "lifestyle" decade. Shared cultural expectations and values are more important than ever in making a successful relationship work – McDonalds and The Ivy won’t mix. Mick Hucknall aside, there can only be a few people whose passion for Motorhead is as strong as their passion for Monet.

The number one men’s job last year was an architect – men in this profession are perceived to be balanced, well-rounded individuals combining creativity, skill and a healthy bank balance. It is interesting to note that other similarly qualified professionals such as engineers are not rated at all in the UK whilst they are big players on the Continent.

The growth of the IT industry into everyday life with sexy products such as the Internet and computer games has resulted has resulted in IT making its first-ever appearance in the DDM Top 10. This new media is perceived to attract witty, dynamic and creative people working in a forward-looking environment – as long as there are no anorak traits, IT is in.

While many powerful women are still concerned that their professional success will intimidate men, DDM analysis proves this to be ill-founded. Men are positively drawn to power and female financial independence, so girls grab your lap-tops, you CAN have it all!

How times have changed

10 years ago Doctors were clearly leading the field - their enormously caring disposition and professional esteem being an irresistible draw. Now, often perceived as overworked, their popularity is a little more dependent on showing they can balance private and professional life.

The most dramatic change over the last decade has been the rise in popularity of women in powerful jobs. Stockbroker, Banker and Company Director have all steadily climbed the DDM top 10 over-taking Social Workers and Teachers. Men now appear less apprehensive about these professions - in fact, the power and financial independence is often a draw. In 1989 IT was associated with nerds and boffins, a decade later it can be cool to be technical.

No job is seen as irredeemably unattractive in itself. However, an unfortunate combination of job and interests can be off-putting. A sci-fi loving computer programmer into surfing the net is the classic male specimen. An antidote of fencing or dancing usually does the trick. For women, teacher by day, girl guide mistress by night is generally not believed to be Superdate. Scuba diving or skiing are prescribed. Snooker playing civil servants, car mad estate agents and embroidering librarians also need to take note that Interests must not be unappealing to your partner if you want to make up for an unexciting job title. If in doubt – cook, a universally well appreciated talent!

So what are the top 10 and, perhaps more importantly, why?

Perennial favourite – architects have always rated highly due to the esteem associated with the profession. Seen as being balanced and rounded individuals who combine a creative approach with a caring, thoughtful disposition. Their ability to cope with pressure of work in a relaxed manner was also deemed to be a significant plus.

City banker as opposed to high street. The sexiness of these professions is ‘volatile’. In order for this profession to be considered suitable, a creative and sensitive side must be visible. Playing with billions is sexy – boasting about it isn’t. It pays to give an understated approach, avoiding overt reference to the trappings of macho (fast cars, golf and always starting sentences with "I"). DDM advice: learn gourmet cooking, Salsa and Ceroc dancing. Banking and stockbroking have recovered their popularity following their eighties "Greed is good" image.

Inherent skill, intelligence and a desire to save lives have consistently proved attractive. Working with hands is also a positive factor – (cabinet makers and sculptors generate strong interest). Surgeons will always be popular – however, a light side needs to be shown to maximise popularity.

Doctors have always been included in DDM’s top 10 professions - their appeal emanates from their caring disposition, plus an ability to be strong even in the most difficult of circumstances. The only minus to this category is the often excessive workload and long hours.

Creative, expressive and in control. Again, this category needs to demonstrate an active and interesting social life.

Providing they are neither wet nor (too) dry. The associated drama of the courtroom rates this profession higher than solicitor.

Journalists have consistently rated in the top 10 but never higher than 6. Political journalists rate higher than those in other areas and there is a distinct pecking order: broadsheets (& quality TV), quality magazines then the rest.

Designers popularity is consistent, artists’ - much more variable. Designers perceived as talented artists with a regular income.

Providing some degree of balance between social and work life is shown this category will remain popular.

IT makes its first ever appearance in the DDM top 10, partly attributable to the rise in sexy jobs in "new media". Attractiveness of male IT personnel is very specific. Perfect candidates are those working at the cutting edge of IT – witty, dynamic people working in a creative environment. Those who switch to IT after finishing an arts or completely different degree and/or job rate higher than those who did computer studies at University. Evidence of people-oriented pursuits also useful.

Male teachers are perceived as a balanced profession, particularly if they appear confident, enthusiastic and trendy. Those who demonstrate strong creative skills in drama and English rate higher than teachers of maths, physics and chemistry. Must go down the gym – or look like they do.

Has consistently rated in the top 3 female professions since 1990. Perceived as people-friendly go-getters combining their excellent communication and presentation skills to generate an appealing first impression. As their job requires them to be extremely tenacious, they will not give up on you if they believe they are onto a good thing!

Actresses that aren’t gushing and come across as down to earth with just a dash a glamour do very well. The key appears to be approachability. Method actors - take note.

Female journalists generally rate highly. Does not matter which subject area they specialise in. Broad appeal to both arty and city types. Perceived as intelligent, quick-thinking characters with excellent creative skills.

Female bankers who exude a soft and feminine image rate particularly highly. Regarded as tough operators in a man’s world, they are quick to develop a wry sense of humour and don’t take themselves too seriously. Able to juggle many things at once, the genuine all-rounder.

Seen as intelligent, challenging characters with broad appeal, they also demonstrate a more practical approach than, for example, artists. Strong people with creative flair and the ability to take calculated risks ensure that women from this professional category are regularly chosen.

Recruitment consultants and head-hunters rate highly if they demonstrate their caring side. The match-makers of the business world, their ability to build bridges and act as catalysts make for strong long-term relationships.

Lack of regular income does not stop this being an attractive profession. Strong ethereal presence is a powerful draw.

Same caveat as for men. First entry into the DDM top 10 - rating has steadily improved over time as more women become directors and positive stereotypes become the norm.

Caring image and professional esteem count highly. A cheerful disposition and strong sense of humour in spite of the pressure of work consistently rate this profession in the top 10.

Solicitors have historically floated around the DDM top 10. Always viewed as intelligent and stable, programmes such as LA Law, This Life and Ally McBeal have recently added glamour and raw sexual appeal to this profession.

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