As an active job seeker, your number one goal is to get invited for an interview. But it’s what happens during that meeting that determines whether you’ll reach your ultimate goal: a job offer. While every hiring manager is unique in their likes and dislikes, here are some comments that are relatively common among them. Take note of what they have to say and you could increase your chances of getting that coveted offer.

Know when to stop talking

What a great feeling it is when you can attract and hire a highly educated or well-trained entry-level worker. But what happens when your new hire appears to be stumbling at the starting gate? How can this be?

Well, there are several reasons new employees struggle:

A flawed employment history could give hiring managers the impression that you are not a desirable candidate. But in today’s day and age, many people are bouncing around among jobs and industries, so it isn’t the fatal flaw it once was. However, it does require some clarification from you, so here are some hints for smoothing out an uneven job history:

Tell a compelling story instead of stating your objectives

Most hiring managers get concerned when they see gaps in a candidate’s employment history. That’s understandable since these gaps could mean this person was let go and had trouble finding another job. Or, it could also give the impression of an individual who tends to hop from job to job.

It’s time for your performance review, and while it may seem counterintuitive, you should be preparing for it. No matter what opinion you might have, these reviews are a frequent and normal occurrence in the working world. In fact, if you want to learn and progress within your organization, you must be ready to talk about both the year behind you and the one that’s ahead.

Here’s how to make the best of it:

Review your accomplishments from last year