A total of 99 employers from 1 rural, 1 urban, and 1 metropolitan county in Alabama were interviewed. An analysis of variance indicated that there were insignificant differences among the barriers related to the five hypothesized variables (size of county by population, size of business or industry, location of ownership of business or industry, location of ownership of business or industry, type of ownership of business, and classification of business). Differences between those employers with experience in hiring ex-offenders and those without experience were also insignificant. Barriers of significantly high frequency were lack of involvement in training or rehabilitative programs by the ex-offender; repeated offenses; employer advancement of money for tools, licenses, etc.; basic education deficiencies; advanced age; long-term imprisonment; and inappropriate work attitudes. On the basis of these findings, the report recommends that corrections administrators attempt to shape those behaviors of inmates that are considered desirable by employers, that employers and training programs cooperate and communicate, and that a 'how-to' manual to deal with the pre- and postrelease treatment of the offender be developed. The study methodology, results, and interview guide are appended. Thirteen references are provided. (Author abstract modified)