A study was conducted to use the SCANS (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) employability skills to identify the criteria used for hiring and employment retention by companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Results were intended to help personnel development and training institutions in the region align their training outcomes and human resource development curricula with the hiring and employment needs of industries in the region. A survey instrument was created and mailed to 559 companies, with 67 returns (12 percent). Factor analysis yielded eight components that were used to identify competencies that are essential in employment decisions. The study found that the majority of the staff who make hiring and employment decisions are not human resources development staff. The study also found that three elements--the hiring decision maker, the candidate's ability to organize resources, and the candidate's skills in human relations, predominate in hiring and postemployment decisions. The study also validated the idea that there are identifiable skills that can constitute competencies for preparing the work force to meet the needs of business and industry. The study suggested that it may be necessary to provide training in evaluating employees for staff who make hiring decisions and training to help work force development practitioners incorporate the appropriate elements in their curriculum for work force preparation. (Contains 13 references.) (KC)