The phrase “thank you for the opportunity” is a useful expression of gratitude that’s formal, polite, and appropriate in many professional situations. It helps you show how grateful you are for an opportunity you’ve been given, such as a job interview, a project, or a promotion. In this article, we’ll cover when and why you should use “thank you for the opportunity,” examples of how to say it, and phrases to use instead. As a bonus, we spoke with award-winning Business & Executive Career Coach Elaine Lou Cartas to get pointers on how to write a professional thank-you note.
“Thank You for the Opportunity” Quick Definition
“Thank you for the opportunity” is a professional phrase that shows gratitude for being given an opportunity at work. Say it after a job interview, job offer, or receiving a promotion. Thanking someone for opportunities builds mutual respect, demonstrates professionalism, and makes the work environment more positive.
Steps
Writing an Interview “Thank You” Email
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Send the email right before the work day starts. When sending a thank you email, Cartas suggests timing it to send 15 minutes before they start their work day so it’s at the top of their inbox. Managers often make hiring decisions quickly. Don’t wait more than 24 hours after the interview to send the email, or you may miss out. [11] X Research source
- 24 hours gives you enough time to send a thoughtful response without rushing through the writing process.
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Write a clear subject line. When sending a thank you email after an interview , write a strong subject line that states exactly what’s in the email. Keep it short and to the point with the most important words first. And remember, you don’t have to write a full sentence. For example, “Thank you note from interviewee” or “Thank you for the job interview” recommends Cartas.
- Never leave the subject line blank. It makes it less likely your email will be read.
- Don’t forget to proofread your subject line before hitting “send.” Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression.
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Start with a polite greeting and appropriate address. When writing an interview thank you, make your salutation formal and professional by writing “Dear” and then the person’s name. Avoid being too casual by opening with words like “Hey!” Always double-check the spelling of their name and use their preferred title. [12] X Research source
- If you don't have their business card, check their company website or a professional site like LinkedIn .
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State the purpose of your email or letter. Be sincere when thanking them for taking the time to meet with you, explaining the job to you, learning more about your background, or accommodating your schedule. If you're writing an email, you might write a short 2-4 sentence paragraph to say why you’re writing and express your gratitude. [13] X Research source
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Mention specific details you discussed in the interview. Cartas recommends mentioning personal details the interviewer shared during the interview, like if you graduated from the same university. Adding these details to your email shows you paid attention to what the interviewer said. It also reminds them of connections that may help you stand out from other applicants.
- Cartas warns, “If you do a group interview, and there are three people, you don't want to just copy and paste. Make sure the email is individualized for all three.”
- At the very least, express gratitude for the time and attention they took to meet with you.
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Highlight your qualifications and reaffirm your interest. Cartas says, “Reiterate why you would be a good fit for the position and how you would support them.” Take 1-2 sentences to remind them how qualified you are for the job and that you’re still interested now that you have a better understanding of what the job will entail. Asking about the next steps in the hiring process is a great way to show you’re still interested. [14] X Research source
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End with a polite closing and your full name. Using a formal closing and your first and last name increases the professionalism of your email. Great options for a polite closing include “Sincerely,” “Yours truly,” and “Best regards.” [15] X Research source
- It also doesn’t hurt to restate your appreciation for the time the interviewer spent speaking with you.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://phrasepicker.com/thank-you-for-the-opportunity/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-to-write-a-thank-you-email-after-an-interview
- ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/job-offer-thank-you-letter-sample-2063974
- ↑ https://careers.uclaextension.edu/blog/2019/04/02/the-answer-to-should-i-send-a-thank-you-note-after-getting-promoted/
- ↑ https://joinhandshake.com/blog/students/thank-you-notes-that-boost-your-network-tips-and-examples/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399920301847
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2013/02/how-to-give-a-meaningful-thank
- ↑ https://simplecated.com/the-art-of-employee-appreciation-reviving-the-thank-you/
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/how-to-express-gratitude/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2013/02/how-to-give-a-meaningful-thank
- ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/slideshows/mistakes-to-avoid-on-a-thank-you-email?slide=2
- ↑ https://www.bu.edu/sph/students/on-campus-students/academic-accommodations-and-support/communication-resources/formal-emails/
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/michael-schneider/how-to-write-perfect-post-interview-thank-you-note.html
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/michael-schneider/how-to-write-perfect-post-interview-thank-you-note.html
- ↑ https://successworks.wisc.edu/the-basics/preparing-for-your-interview-2/the-thank-you-letter/