Recruiters use code, according to Sarah Needleman's recent article in The Career Journal Online (www.CareerJournal.com). A candidate's attitude (sizzle) sells placements.

↓ Sizzle: Evan Scott, president of Evan Scott Group International in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., makes this note when an interviewee lacks energy and passion. (Upbeat, enthusiastic candidates get "sizzle" and an "up" arrow.) Recruiters want to see candidates express excitement when describing their accomplishments and interest in the job, he explains.

While my former company didn't use this particular code word when placing candidates, enthusiasm mattered a lot. In fact, in some cases candidates lost positions because they did not express enthusiasm or desire for the job.

In your next interview, think about how you come across. Do you want the gig?