Getting selected for two different jobs at once may sound too good to be true in today's tough job market. It does happen, however, for many of the active — and perhaps lucky — job seekers who take the right steps in their job hunt. And before the excitement fades, a new dilemma emerges regarding how to turn down one of these two job offers. This is yet another test of how to handle a hiring situation with courtesy and professionalism.

Even if the job that you're declining does not seem that important at this moment, the last impression you're leaving that employer with must be a positive one — to make sure you're not burning bridges. In all cases, try to get back to the employer as soon as possible with a brief polite explanation of your decision and best wishes for the company.

Here are a few points to keep in mind if you must decline a job offer.

Better offer

This is a straightforward situation. You've been on a job hunt either from an employed or unemployed situation, and you got two job offers almost simultaneously. The first step is to decide which offer is a better fit for you — professionally and otherwise. Even though you're apparently in a lucky situation, the decision may not be easy. So take your time to consider each job and make a decision. Don't extend the process unnecessarily if you're sure of your preference. Once you make your mind, inform both employers promptly.

One or two

A word of caution, you have two job offers when both are in hand. Declining a job offer for one that may be coming in the future is not a good idea. Remember many job offers fall through in the last minute. Meanwhile, it is not a good practice to accept a job offer with the intention to decline it shortly afterwards, if another job comes through. At this point you must commit to your choice: either to take the one in hand, or to wait for the other one. Unfortunately, you cannot combine both.

Counter offer

In many cases, your choice may be between a job offer that got you to resign, and a counter offer made by your current employer in an attempt to keep you. There are two points to keep in mind here. First, don't negotiate with your current employer unless you're willing to accept to stay if you're offered a better pay or title, or a bigger scope of responsibility. If this is not the case, decline the counter offer without getting into the details. Second, if you decide to go ahead and stick with your company, you should inform the other employer promptly. Don't be tempted to negotiate both sides.

Phrase it right

It is never easy to deliver bad news. But timing is critical here: the employer who offered you a job need to be aware of your decision so that they can go ahead with the second person down the list. The quicker you let them know of your decision, the better chance you stand in keeping a positive impression. An email or a letter is always best especially if the offer was made in writing. Be courteous but concise. You don't have to dwell on the details of your decision to accept another offer in terms of job scope or remuneration. But you can provide a short explanation along the lines of "a better match". Never hide or leave an employer hanging — even if you don't want the job.

Decline ahead

A job interview can turn into a moment of disillusionment of how you'd rather be unemployed or stick with your current job than taking a job that isn't the right one. If you reach this conclusion after a job interview, drop the line to your interviewers and let them know you don't wish to proceed with the hiring process — while you thank them for the opportunity. There is certainly no reason to mention a justification since they have not offered you the job yet. If you think a particularly attractive offer can change your mind, put off your decision until you see whether you'll be offered the job or not.

 

Rania Oteify, a former Business Features Editor at Gulf News, is a journalist based in Seattle.