In investigating communication competencies needed by beginning automotive mechanics, an attempt was made to compare the effectiveness of three occupational analysis techniques: (1) developing a curriculum (DACUM), (2) observation, and (3) extended information search. Extended information search produced a comprehensive, valid list of competencies…

Discusses the gap between the basic skills of many workers and the more complex skills required by many jobs. Points out that many employers offer basic skills training because they cannot find qualified entry-level workers and find glaring deficiencies in their existing workers. (JOW)

While many support the general value of liberal education for work in business, too little is known about the experience of college graduates in business and about what companies emphasize when recruiting them. (MSE)

This article describes a technique being used by teachers that can be accomplished without extensive training. The final product identifies employment skills required by local employers and the existence of realistic related areas of employment. (Author/CH)

Employers examine grades, postsecondary school attendance, cooperative education participation, and work experience characteristics in assessing job applicants entering the full-time labor market. Thus, student decisions that affect achievement or work experience will affect future job search success. (CH)

Describes the School Community Training Program in a Wyoming school district that equips handicapped high school students with vocational skills and prepares them for the entry-level jobs that are available in the community. (CT)

Do business schools really give an advantage? A survey of business recruiters is presented and results are discussed. (Author)

Personnel directors of 38 business firms responded to a questionnaire rating 24 employee traits related to competencies, attitudes, skills, and personality which needed improvement. Five traits were common among the rank order one to five to both retailer and commercial and service organization respondents: oral communication, initiative,…

Short-term intensive training is not only saving time for North Carolina high school students; it also helps them get their bearings in the selection of occupations. (Editor)

Illustrates the significant impact of age and sex on the jobs people take. (JOW)

What should the inservice training program for new graduates from a variety of educational backgrounds consist of? A study designed to answer this and other related questions found that most educational programs do not satisfactorily prepare their graduates for hospital nursing service. (Author)

Describes current directions of research on organizational entry and their limitations. Presents a new perspective that identifies key features of a newcomer's entry experiences (including surprise, contrast, and change), and describes the sense-making processes by which individuals cope with their entry experiences. (Author/IRT)

Proposes a model that assumes the relationships among unemployment and expectation of success, commitment to work, motivation, causal attributions, self-esteem, and depression are moderated by first-time job-seeking and age. Results show that, for first-job seekers, the relationships among these variables is consistent with expectancy-value…

Describes a survey that compares entry-level job requirements to on-the-job performances of new hires. Looks at ways employers define job requirements, important skills for new hires, and compares performance requirements to preparedness. Reviews problems employers see in preparedness and ways schools can address these problems. (RJM)