A survey of employers showed that high school grade point average had the strongest positive influence in the hiring of young people for entry-level jobs. Eight hundred and fifty employers in three fields (clerical, retailing, and machine trades) were asked to rate application forms of fictitious job seekers for specific positions. Other factors that these employers rated highly were the following: (1) high school diploma, (2) part-time or full-time work experience, (3) work experience in large organizations, (4) relevant work experience, (5) participation in cooperative or occupational work experience programs, (6) participation in machine trades vocational education programs for machine trades positions, and (7) attendance at a postsecondary school. A high number of prior job terminations due to quitting or being fired earned a negative rating from employers. Ratings were also influenced by the personal characteristics of the rater and characteristics of the particular job and firm. The study concluded that school administrators should be aware of the importance that employers place on good grades and good attitudes and should encourage students to work for academic honors in order to help them enter the work world. (KC)