Although the social validation methodology has been found useful in identifying work skills associated with job success, it is uncertain as to whether respondents who have had experience working with persons with mental retardation respond differentially to surveys than individuals without previous experience. In the present study, the responses of respondents who had prior experience working with employees with mental retardation were compared to those of persons without such experience. Also, the effects of specified verbal referents in surveys were investigated. The findings revealed that prior experience did not appear to affect ratings; however, several differences were identified. The findings are discussed in respect to employment preparation programs.