4 ways to make a good phone impression

Did you know that first impressions are made in just under seven seconds? So if your first encounter with a recruiter or a hiring manager is over the phone, the way you answer the phone is a big deal. The reason I think it's such a big deal is that I get to see how someone acts in general, because they may not be aware that it's an employer calling. In may career I've had people answer the phone like this:

"Yeah?"
"Go."
"Uh huh."
(a comatose, hungover sounding) "Hello?"

Not exactly the best first impression. So if you give bad phone (or aren't aware of your phone presence) you may be doing yourself a disservice without even knowing it. Here's what I'd suggest:

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1. Answer the phone by saying either:
"Hi, this is (your name)"; or
"(your name)"
This is a professional way of answering the phone. And for those who are worried about their friends making fun of them for the new way they answer the phone, you have call display anyway - so you don't even have to change the way you speak to your friends.
2. Smile when you answer the phone. You'd be amazed how smiling can affect your positive energy on the phone. 
3. Breathe before you pick up. Get into a good headspace before you pick up, because you're going to have to get through more than just "Hi" if it's a recruiter.
4. Have a friend, or better yet, your parents, evaluate the way you answer the phone. Get their honest opinion of how you can improve.