Mission Statement

Job Search Workshop’s mission is to develop essential employability and job retention skills, provide support and empowerment to the unemployed, and to nurture and celebrate the intrinsic worth of each individual by giving them the tools and skills needed to give back to the community in a meaningful way.


Who Do We Serve?

We serve CalWORKS and General Assistance clients in Santa Cruz County, CA.


How Do I Enroll?

Enrollment for Job Search Workshop is on a referral basis only, from CalWORKS and General Assistance Programs in Santa Cruz County.


What is Job Search Workshop?

In operation since 2003, the Job Search Workshop Program (JSW) develops essential employability and job retention skills for CalWORKS and General Assistance clients in Santa Cruz County. Operating out of the Santa Cruz and Watsonville Career Centers, the program provides support and empowerment to the unemployed and underemployed and assists them in developing work readiness skills, holding students accountable for showing up on time, attending regularly, and grooming in a manner appropriate to the workplace. Active participation, teamwork, open communication, and respect for all become hallmarks for candidates and staff.

To complete the four week program successfully, participants must develop a neat and appropriate master application, an approved résumé, and a successful mock interview performed in the presence of other class members and critiqued by peers as well.

One-on-one assistance is also provided on active job search methods, including extensive practice on the internet for appropriate job leads and other useful employment information.

In the workshop participants have a safe place to share their feelings, respectfully engaging in both highs and lows associated with any job search efforts. Students build self-esteem and often reduce feelings of isolation.


What makes it different from other Job Search Workshops?

What makes JSW different from other workshops is that we focus on the whole person, recognizing that our job search is only one aspect of our being. In life, we wear many different hats, playing so many roles in a single day. Many times, this can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially when looking for work or coping with long term unemployment. Students have access to a safe place where they can share their feelings respectfully, witnessing both the joys and the sorrows that go along with any job search.

In addition, the support that they receive from each other and the practice in networking can increase their chances of employment, build self-esteem, and reduce the feelings of isolation that can lead to depression and discouragement. As students practice showing up for themselves they build not only a sound foundation for their job search but for improving the quality of their lives as well.


What about Incentives for Participation?

Upon completion of the four week program, students will receive gift certificates to local merchants.

Participants who have perfect attendance (no absences or tardies for the entire four weeks) earn a Perfect Attendance Award, and a gift certificate to the Shoreline School of Cosmetology for a day of beauty which includes a hair styling, shampoo, manicure, facial and pedicure.

Also, any student who reports the details of their employment within 90 days of completion of the workshop is eligible to receive additional gift certificates.

Staff Bios

Susan Boes, Workshop Employment
Specialist, Santa Cruz JSW
Susan Boes is the workshop employment specialist at the Santa Cruz Career Center. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Peace Studies from Antioch College in Ohio. A certified mediator, Ms. Boes has 15 years experience in public relations and community outreach as well as over five years of training experience including teaching a comedy improvisation workshop. She has outstanding communication and interpersonal skills as well as a great sense of humor. A strong motivator, Ms. Boes believes in the importance of training being interactive and participatory. Program participants describe her as compassionate, funny, caring and a great teacher and listener.

Charlie Miksicek, Santa Cruz JSW
Charlie Miksicek has been assisting with the Santa Cruz Job Search Workshop since April 2005. He also works as an Employment Program Representative with the State of California's Employment Development Department. Prior to that he worked as an Employment Training Specialist with Santa Cruz County's Careerworks program. Charlie got his bachelor's degree in Biology and Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He did graduate work in an interdisciplinary program in anthropology, Biology, Geology and Geography at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Before becoming a vocational counselor, Charlie worked as an archaeologist for many years. Now instead of digging for artifacts, he is digging for jobs.

Suzanne Chonette, Workshop Employment Specialist, Watsonville
Suzanne Chonette is a credentialed Adult Educator with a background in healthcare and gerontology. She has taught a variety of classes and workshops through Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education and the American Red Cross. She also teaches art and music classes to elementary school age children through the Santa Cruz Cultural Council's SPECTRA Program.
Suzanne is a very innovative thinker who prides herself on creative solutions and thinking outside the box. She is interested in being a catalyst for change and helping students remember how to dream. Students are encouraged to redefine themselves and establish greater goals in their personal and professional lives. Her focus on the positive aspects and hidden talents of her participants often re-energizes and inspires them to seek further training and educational goals.
Suzanne's students emerge from the program with stronger self image, a complete and polished resume, interviewing practice and confidence, a neat and complete appliction and the computer skills needed to conduct an online job search. In addition, they've made friends, established a network of future contacts and learned how to ask questions, advocate for themselves and look at the future with a sense of personal responsibility.

Grace Hernandez, Workshop Employment Specialist, Watsonville

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