Q: I received two job offers this week. How can I turn down an offer without burning any bridges?

A: There are several reasons you to turn down offers in a professional way. Perhaps most important is today's rapidly changing job market. Someday, you may want to work for that company.

The last impression you leave usually is the most-remembered, so be genuine about why you are declining. A brief explanation will help support your decision.

How you decline an offer determines whether the company will be open to future conversations. Your situation can be uncomfortable because you sold your value to both employers and expressed interest in each one. Now, you're turning one down.

A person has made you the job offer, not a company, and egos are at stake. Declining an offer without talking with that employer can send the wrong message.

The best approach is to personalize your message, and a phone call is better than an email.

Consider offering to refer someone you know for the job. This sends the message you care and are a good decision-maker.

The worst thing you can do is leave the impression you were playing one employer against the other. Employers remember candidates who manipulate them, and that may close the door to any future discussions.

Kimberly Thompson is a national board-certified counselor. Send questions to careerrescue@yahoo.com or Houston Chronicle, P.O. Box 4260, Suite 323, Houston, TX 77210. Visit Kim Thompson's blog at blogs.chron.com/careerrescue.