Employers cite the following skills as important for both blue- and white-collar entry-level workers: (1) employee application and interview skills; (2) work-related social skills and habits, especially communication and interpersonal skills; (3) basic academic skills, particularly in reading, mathematics, writing, and problem solving/reasoning; and (4) vocational skills, especially manual/perceptual skills. Although employers look for a high school diploma, they appear to be less interested in grades or competency than in previous work experience. For most entry-level work, employers want an employee competent in the basic skills; they generally do not seek more advanced reading, writing and thinking skills. In fact, work-related social skills and habits are as important to employers as the basic skills: workers should present themselves well; be enthusiastic, responsible, cooperative, disciplined, flexible, and willing to learn; and show a general understanding of the workplace and business world. However, workers with these attributes are scarcer than those with the required core of academic skills. While schools should certainly develop higher order academic skills in all students, they should also ensure that students learn all the basic social and academic skills needed for an entry level job. A list of references is included. (BJV)