9 Good Synonyms for “Opportunity” on a Resume

You should always appreciate professional opportunities when they come up. Even better, you can talk about them in your CV to let employers know what you’ve been through.

However, is “opportunity” the only phrase worth including?

This article has gathered some alternatives to show you what to use instead of “opportunity” on your resume.

• Chance
• Occasion
• Shot
• Pass
• Opening
• Possibility
• Moment
• Position
• Prospect

Keep reading to find out how to write about a business opportunity. You can also refer to the examples we provide for each one.

1. Chance

When filling out a job application, you can use “chance” instead of “opportunity.” It’s a highly effective formal synonym that helps to keep things interesting.

Generally, this is great if you’re trying to keep things more simplistic.

It shows you were allowed to explore new options in your previous workplace. This is fantastic to share in a CV if you’re trying to demonstrate your past experiences.

Here are a few examples to show you how it works:

• I was given the chance to work alongside some of my role models from college. It’s helped me to become who I am today.
• I made the most of this chance because I knew it was a good move for me. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved since then.

2. Occasion

While it’s not quite as popular, you can use “occasion” instead of “opportunity.” It refers to a positive job opportunity or situation that occurred because of the good work you did.

We recommend using it to show that you’ve learned from experience. It’s a great way to let a new employer know what to expect from you and the things you’ve already done.

Check out these cover letter samples if you’re still unsure:

• It’s not often that occasions like this come up. Therefore, I had to capitalize on it to show I was serious.
• I was given a wonderful occasion to explore new ideas. Thanks to that, I have learned a great deal about this company.

3. Shot

Although it might seem slightly more informal, it’s worth using “shot” in some formal cases. It’s effective if you’re looking for something more conversational in your resume.

For instance, it shows you are more friendly in tone. You should use it to let an employer know you’re willing to explore new challenges and take risks that others might pass up.

However, since it’s more friendly than some other options, you should watch out. Only use it when applying to jobs you know don’t require the most formal writing.

Here are a few CV examples to help you understand it better:

• They gave me a shot, and I took it. In turn, I learned a lot about running a company, and I’d like to bring that with me.
• I want to take a shot and risk with this. I know that I have what it takes to improve myself.

4. Pass

“Pass” is another word for “opportunity” on a resume. It’s a bit more informal, but it shows you’ve been allowed to test something.

We recommend using “pass” when you’ve asked your boss for an opportunity. It shows you’ve been given a free chance to test the opportunity and see if it’ll gain traction.

This generally shows diligence and attentiveness in the workplace. Both qualities are hard to come by, so bosses will look for them.

You may also refer to the following examples:

• They gave me a pass, and I took the opportunity before me. I have never had such a wonderful opportunity before.
• The pass I received to complete the project helped me to understand a few things. I’m very grateful they gave me the chance.

5. Opening

You may want to explore using “opening” instead of “opportunity” too. It won’t work in every context, but it’s an interesting choice to use in most cases.

Feel free to include it when exploring new opportunities. It suggests something became available quickly, even if you didn’t expect it to occur.

This is a great way to show that you seize the day. It shows you’re open to new possibilities and want to see what’s out there for you to achieve.

Perhaps these examples will also help you:

• There was an opening, so I capitalized on it. Please let me know if you’d like to hear more about that opportunity.
• It was a very important opening for me at the time. I was surprised to hear back from my manager when they offered it to me.

6. Possibility

There’s always “possibility” as well. It’s a common word to include in resumes when showing what your options are.

Feel free to include it when exploring past experiences. It’s great to use as it tells new employers what they can expect from you and whether you’re willing to test yourself.

Also, it helps that it’s a formal synonym. You can’t go wrong with including it, regardless of the job you’re applying for.

If you’re still unsure, you can review the following examples:

• I always ensure to capitalize on possibilities when they arise. Otherwise, I’ll never be able to climb in this world.
• This possibility was too good to pass up. Would you like to see what I did with the project?

7. Moment

You can also use “moment.” It’s another way to say “opportunity” in your resume that’s worth pursuing.

It shows you found an important milestone in your career. Whether it was given to you or you found it yourself isn’t important.

Basically, it suggests you have improved your workload because you were given a “moment” to do so. We recommend using it to let an employer know how serious you are about your work.

Check out the following examples to see how it works:

• It was a good moment for me. I was ready to explore the idea and see if I could make something happen.
• This moment was offered to me for a reason. Naturally, I took it because I wanted to see if I was the right call.

8. Position

Feel free to use “position” instead of “opportunity” as well. It keeps things professional and respectful, showing that you were given a good choice earlier in your career.

For instance, you can say you were put in a good position. It implies that a previous employer gave you a chance to prove yourself.

They might have promoted you or benefited your career if you followed through. Whatever the case, you should include it if it happened to you and you’re looking for something new.

Here are some resume examples to help you:

• They put me in a positive position to complete the project. I asked for a few team members, but I led the charge.
• My position allows me to explore new avenues. Therefore, I’ve learned a lot about how companies like this operate.

9. Prospect

Finally, we recommend using “prospect.” It’s a formal synonym for “opportunity” that works really well when completing a CV.

We recommend including it in a cover letter to show that you care about your experience. It suggests you’re proud of where you came from and the work you put in.

You typically won’t find a more professional alternative than “prospect.” If you’re simply looking to impress an employer, this is certainly the way to go.

You can also review these examples:

• I took the job prospect because I knew it was a good offer. I’m so happy I decided to follow through.
• This prospect was unlike anything before. Therefore, it was worth taking the chance. I knew I had to invest in it.