By Kevin Donlin

Multiple job offers ­ now there’s a problem most of us would like to have. But … if you don't handle them right, you could miss out on your ideal job AND put your career in jeopardy.

Fortunately, with a little advance planning, you can deal with multiple job offers and land your dream job at the salary you deserve.

Handling multiple job offers all boils down to three things. Here they are …

1) Know what your ideal job looks like

Start by writing a detailed description of what you really want in your next job. Because, when you know what the right position will look like, it’s easier to say no to the wrong job, company or salary.

Carole Martin, an interview coach with 20+ years of experience advises, "First, take time to evaluate your options and determine what criteria are most important to you in your job search."

Martin suggests you consider the following factors:

* Compensation ­ salary, benefits, stock options, bonuses
* Content ­ the type of work, preferred industry, preferred company
* Career Progression ­ chances for promotion, relocation, working conditions, professional development
* Quality of Life ­ travel requirements, corporate culture, vacation time
* Location ­ preferred city or state, transportation costs, taxes.

If you get two job offers, simply rate each opportunity based on how they meet your criteria. Divide a sheet of paper in two, add up the scores in each column and let that guide your decision.

2) Know how to ask for time to decide

Let's say you get a job offer on Monday from Company A, but you expect a better offer on Thursday from Company B. How do you stall for time without alienating that first suitor?

Tell them you want to talk it over with your family, suggests John Whitmore, a recruiting professional from Edina, Minn.-based Princeton Search.

"Simply say that you appreciate the job offer, you're excited by it, and you want to discuss it with your significant other to make sure they're on board, so there’s no second guessing. That ought to buy you two or three days to consider another offer," says Whitmore.

You can buy time with other delay tactics, such as asking to meet with key managers and co-workers who haven't interviewed you yet.

3) Know how to say no

If you get a better offer from Company B and accept it, your work isn't done. You still have to say no to Company A in a way that won't burn bridges. Because you never know when you may have to reactivate your job search and call those people again!

When turning down a job offer, you can never be too diplomatic. Try language like this: "I really appreciate the offer, and although I've been offered another position that's a better fit for my goals, I want to say how impressed I was with your company and the people I had a chance to meet. Thanks again."

It takes courage and deep thinking to pick one job offer from among several. The best way is to list the pros and cons of each opportunity on paper ­ this will crystallize your thinking. Then talk it over with your family. Trust your gut. And be diplomatic in all your dealings with every employer, even those you turn down.

Now that you know how to handle it, here's hoping you'll run into this "nice problem" of multiple job offers soon!

-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "The Last Guide to Cover Letter & Resume Writing You'll Ever Need," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php

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