ALOK Patel*, an IIM graduate, worked with an MNC. When he realised he required a much-deserved change, he did what most of us naturally do -- went job-hunting. He approached placement consultants and networked with his social circle. Soon enough he bagged a few offers, of which he discarded the not-so-happening ones, and ticked the best one.

"I had planned to accept the offer a couple of days after I received the offer letter from the MNC," he says. "But I guess my stars were tossing too much, and mystically I got a better offer just the next morning, from a better organisation. But now how do I refuse this first one without burning the bridges?"

Two job offer vying for your attention isn't such a bad deal! So, how can you choose one but keep both employers happy?

Step 1
Ensure that during the interview or on-the-table discussions, you clarify that you are being approached by other companies as well. It's okay to be honest rather than cut a sorry figure, later. Request your interviewee for a few days' time to take a decision instead of hastening it up.

Step 2
Once you have decided to go ahead with one, the tough part is to communicate regret to the other company. "You can politely refuse them," advises Pervin Malhotra, executive director CareerGuidanceIndia and one of India's top career counsellors.

"Write an apologetic e-mail stating how much you would have loved to keep the option open but you have had a better offer elsewhere. Thank them for having considered you for the position and you appreciate the trouble they have taken for you. Be sincere and upfront in your approach," she adds.

* Name changed to protect identity.

Illustrations: Vaibhav Shirke