The goal of this study was to identify the relationship of at-risk youth workplace appearance to other job performance criteria. Employers (n = 30; each employing from 1 to 17 youths) evaluated 178 at-risk high school youths who completed a paid summer employment experience. Appearance evaluations were significantly correlated with evaluations of written communication (r = 0.383; p less than 0.01) and initiative (r = 0.350; p less than 0.01). Appearance, oral communication, and written communication are all objectively observable. Initiative requires a more subjective judgment. It seems clear that employers are making connections among the different types of skills associated with effective job performance. Norms related to effective job performance can be learned through training. Job preparation training for high school students encourages them to develop internal and external assets related to career self-efficacy. Job preparation training is an essential responsibility for FCS teachers and professionals who provide work opportunities for youths. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)