#Why do I keep getting told my resume is weak?

I’ve been applying for jobs but keep getting the same feedback — that my resume just isn’t strong enough to land the role. What does that mean exactly? Is there something I can do to make it more marketable?

When you get feedback that your resume isn’t strong enough, it doesn’t have anything to do with its format, or embellishing on your experience, or even which skills you list. It means that the people reviewing your resume do not think that you have enough experience for the job for which you are applying — or that the places that you have worked and gained your experience are not impressive enough to them.

That’s a harsh reality, but better to understand the process than to be in the dark and try the same thing over and over again and expect different results.

You can’t change what you’ve done or where you’ve worked, so you might have to consider applying to different jobs where your experience is at the right level for the role to improve your chances.

Good luck!

I’m finishing up my summer internship and some of the interns are talking about buying their boss a gift. I think that’s weird, but I don’t want to be the only one who doesn’t do it and risk not get invited back for a job. What’s the protocol?

It depends on what type of gift we are talking about. If you buy me a really good raspberry Linzer tart because you know I am a sucker for them, you may have just scored yourself a new job.

Seriously though, gifts from interns are not expected, are unnecessary and inappropriate, unless it is something similar to my Linzer tart example, which expresses gratitude for a great experience in a thoughtful, fun way.

Anything of more value than that from an intern is odd, and you don’t want to end a great summer in a weird and awkward way. Send a great note instead.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive and is dedicated to helping New Yorkers get back to work. E-mail your questions to [email protected]. Follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande and at GoToGreg.com.