Personal interviews were conducted with persons involved in the hiring process in 60 companies throughout Ohio to determine what qualities they seek when they hire young, inexperienced workers at beginning skilled or semiskilled levels. Companies, selected to represent all sections of the state, varied in size. The study found the following: (1) there was a strong desire on the part of employers to hire job applicants who have some job skills and a positive work attitude; (2) the basics are important only to the extent and in the form required to perform on the job; (3) writing and speaking as well as interpersonal skills, appearance, and personal life skills were considered to be advantageous but not essential by more than half of the employers interviewed; (4) employers said the company would train in the areas of computer literacy and skills related to a specific job; and (5) computer literacy was the only quality studied for which a number of employers stated that it was not used on the job. Recommendations were made for the state and local levels to apply to the improvement of vocational education programs in order to promote a positive attitude in graduates looking for work, improve job skills training, ensure basic skills, and teach students how to apply for a job and participate in a job interview. (KC)