A study analyzed the explicit and implicit behavior of employers in their assessment of young job applicants for entry-level clerical, retail trade, and machine trade jobs. In order to determine the influence of applicants' education and skills on employability assessments made by employers, the researchers analyzed almost 600 mail questionnaires that were returned by employers from across the nation. Based on this analysis, the researchers formulated a series of recommendations aimed at youth, parents, and guidance counselors; employers; and school administrators and policymakers. The researchers suggested that students contemplating careers in areas such as trades or business participate in experiential or cooperative educational programs, if given the opportunity. Employers were cautioned to avoid allowing their own personal characteristics to influence their assessment of individual job applicants and were urged to continue to check references provided by job applicants. Finally, the researchers urged school administrators and policymakers to realize the extent of the emphasis that employers place on grades as a sign of productivity and to revise existing curricula to include training in job search skills and in business organization and management principles. (Appended to this report are exhibits of materials used in employer hiring decisions, the survey instrument, and survey response frequencies. (MN)