Sara Ferrara
Medford, OR ***** 503-***-**** ********@*****.***
January 22, 2025
SB James Oregon
Medford, OR 97504
Ref: Reception/Administrative Assistant
Dear Representative:
I am writing to express my keen interest in the Reception/Administrative Assistant position with your respected organization. As a highly organized and motivated professional, I am currently seeking a position matching the qualifications and requirements listed for the specific role.
I possess an extensive skill set in administrative support responsibilities that include meticulous attention to detail, and efficient data entry. My approach is always solution-oriented; I strive to identify and implement efficient processes enhancing organizational effectiveness. In addition, I encompass competencies in written and oral communication, ability to work independently or as part of a team, coordinating office procedures, preparing narrative and statistical reports, data collection and analysis.
I am a self-motivated individual who enjoys analyzing situations to improve workflow and productivity. My educational background from Oregon State University in Organizational Development/Adult Education complements my practical experience, providing me with a robust understanding of organizational dynamics.
My prior experiences have also provided me with in-depth knowledge of business needs and working with and supporting an entire team to oversee the day-to-day operations in the office as well as performing additional important tasks such as managing client files, monitoring reports or omissions or errors, and implementing new office policies and procedures.
In addition, I am an expert with Microsoft Office productivity applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Access. I also possess proficiency in Visual Basic programming allowing me to develop databases with Excel and Access.
I think you will agree that I have years of professional experience meeting the requirements for the Reception/Administrative Assistant position.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique skills to your organization confident I will contribute to your team’s success. Should you wish to discuss my resume in further detail, please contact me at mailto:********@*****.*** or 503-***-**** to arrange a time to meet. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Reception/Administrative Assistant position.
Sincerely,
Sara Ferrara (resume below)
Profile
Throughout my career, I have acquired an abundance of experience from programming to teaching others. My expertise includes a strong background in providing attention to detail and accuracy ensuring the completeness and correctness of data input. These duties have always been performed utilizing time management skills attained. Expert with Microsoft Office productivity applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access allowing me to effectively and timely complete administrative tasks. Working in state government positions, I understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality of information and how to effectively communicate with team members to resolve any discrepancies or issues with client records. As a professional, I interact with clients and colleagues with respect and professionalism. Eager to learn and constantly evolve.
Education
ED.M. GRADUATE -JUNE 2008 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Major: Adult Education
Minor: Organizational Development
Related coursework: Research
B.S. GRADUATE-JUNE 2004 UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Database Management
Related coursework: Programming
Employment History
Data Administrator/Data Analyst at Oregon Department of Corrections, Salem, OR
01/2016 – April 2023
Handled Large Datasets: Employed statistical tools and visualization techniques to discern trends, detect outliers, and identify opportunities for operational enhancements.
Inspected, cleaned, transformed, and modeled data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making.
Analyzed and modeled data providing insights improving business processes.
Collaborated with different teams to develop data solutions meeting the needs of customers.
Communicated Effectively: Presented findings to stakeholders in a manner that was both clear and concise, translating complex data into actionable insights that drove strategic business decisions.
Participated in internal knowledge sharing and training courses to stay current with self-development.
Training & Development Specialist II at Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Salem, OR
08/2013 – 01/2016
Lead the implementation of Oregon’s learning management system (iLearnOregon).
Lead team in the development of the New Employee Orientation program.
Utilized authoring tools (Article Storyline and Captivate) to create 50 plus online courses for several state agencies.
Collaborated with subject matter experts in the research and development of course curriculums.
Taught classroom training to groups of diverse participants totaling over 300 plus instructing hours.
Gathered, analyzed, synthesized, and reported information necessary to determine if a need for training was required to resolve employee issues.
Training & Development Specialist II at Oregon Department of Corrections, Salem, OR
08/2008 – 08/2013
Created reports from various databases/systems allowing data to be analyzed and interpreted illustrating Agency’s staff training completions by classification, employee training transcripts, training Return on Investment classroom delivery vs. online delivery.
Lead the implementation of Oregon’s learning management system (iLearnOregon).
Utilized authoring tools (Article Storyline and Captivate) to create 70 plus online courses for several state agencies.
Collaborated with subject matter experts in the research and development of course curriculums.
Developed workflow processes and documentation surrounding best practices for statewide Learning Management System.
Lead team in the development and implementation of online courses for the Oregon’s Basic Corrections Course (program) meeting the strict requirements of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
Computer Technology Program Manager & Instructor at Department of Corrections, Wilsonville, OR
03/2002 – 08/2008
Created the first computer technology program inside a correctional facility for the state of Oregon. This was performed by defining the program outcomes, creating visual maps of the program, writing the course curriculum, and teaching courses.
Instructed MS Access, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, Web Page Development, and PC Hardware for several years resulting in over 50 female Adults in Custody (AIC) graduating from program prior to release.
Developed and executed an evaluation plan to monitor the curriculum of an Information Technology educational program.
Developed policies, procedures and sought approval for the implementation of DOC’s Coffee Creek Correctional Facility becoming a Microsoft Certified Testing Center making the facility the second state operated correctional facility in the United States.
Published Research
In 2007, co-researched a study on Emotional Intelligence with a group of 15 female inmates at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility-Oregon Department of Corrections. This required receiving approval by the Oregon State University institutional review board (IRB). Data was captured and reported. HTTPS://WWW.HEARTMATH.ORG/ASSETS/UPLOADS/2015/01/LEARNING-WITHIN-A-PRISON-ENVIRONMENT.PDF.