This paper describes Michigan's strategy for defining and assessing employability skills. A statewide task force, appointed by the Governor, defined an initial list of academic, personal management, and teamwork skills. The skills from this list were more specifically defined for a questionnaire that was mailed to a random sample of over 7,500 Michigan employers. The Michigan Employability Skills Survey (1989) lists 86 specific skills and behaviors. Respondents were asked to rate each skill on a Likert Scale with four options (critical, highly needed, somewhat needed, and not needed) when answering the following statement: "In my business, I need employees who can...". About 37% (2,752) of the sample returned the surveys. Results show that the skills contained in the task force profile were widely viewed as essential for all persons entering the work force. Personal management and teamwork skills were rated more important than were academic skills. However, when asked to consider skills needed to adapt to changes in the future, respondents rated academic skills as more critical than the other skills. Implications of the study for assessment are considered, and the Michigan Opportunity Card is proposed. Seven data tables, 12 figures, and the Michigan Employability Skills Survey (1989) are included. (RLC)