This instructional packet, designed to help students as they prepare for the job search, is the first component of "The Employer's Choice," a research-based, multimedia set of instructional materials designed to prepare students for job market success. ("The Employer's Choice" is part of the "Connections" package, which represents a synthesis of significant work on education and employment and presents a coordinated set of resources to assist school administrators, counselors, teachers, and employers in helping students in their school and work transitions.) This instructional package uses data from employer questionnaires to illustrate how employers are influenced to hire and retain workers. Through selected activities, students are led to develop a realistic view of employer standards and to make plans for acquiring the skills employers want. There are seven chapters organized in three sections in this package. Each chapter contains an objective, overview, reference to worksheets, and information sheets illustrated with line drawings. The three sections cover the following topics: (1) What counts toward getting hired? (2) What leads to getting fired? and (3) How can you meet employers' standards? (KC)