Career-management experts estimate that more than 80% of job interviews are won or lost during the first five minutes of conversation. This includes telephone screening interviews. What you do next could have a major effect on your career future.

Since the recruiter is holding your resume and you're holding a copy of the day's paper, the recruiter has the upper hand. Do you try to muddle through, making idle small talk with the recruiter while waving your arms furiously at your children? Or is there an acceptable delaying tactic that will give you time to gather your thoughts?

Obviously, you need to clear your head and shift your focus from family to your career. You also need to level the playing field. Gain time by telling the caller that you must go to another extension or need to close the door to your office, then put down the receiver. Take some deep breaths, ask your children to be quiet and mentally clear your head of all thoughts besides your job search.

When you pick up the phone, ask the recruiter to repeat his or her name. Verify the spelling and write it down. Use the recruiter's name in your response. If it's truly inconvenient for you to talk, ask for a telephone number and a convenient time to call back. You're now ready to make a good impression during your first five minutes.

Here are eight tips to help you gain the interview response you want regardless of how chaotic your environment is when the phone rings:

1. Be prepared.

Any executive conducting a comprehensive job hunt should expect recruiters to call at unexpected moments. Be ready by:

• Having a place to keep notes and files.
  
• Keeping paper and pencils by the phone.
  
• Instructing family members on how to answer the telephone and take messages.
  
• Preparing three to five key statements about your strengths and listing them on 3-by-5-inch index cards for easy reference.
  
• Reviewing questions that you can reasonably expect to be asked and preparing answers for them.

2. Sound positive, self-confident and focused.

What you say and how you say it is critical to your career future. If you're properly organized, take out your notes for easy reference during the interview.

The fact that the recruiter has called you indicates that your resume or a member of your network has given him or her a favorable impression of you. You need to confirm this impression. Put a smile on your face and into your voice. You need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest through your voice and telephone manner, says Rod Coffey, director of human resources for FANUC Robotics NA in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Some people find they sound more animated if they stand while talking on the phone. Others say it helps to keep one hand free. Having a lively sounding voice makes you seem upbeat and full of energy. Check how your voice sounds by taping yourself while role-playing a telephone interview. Listen to yourself, then decide if you would hire the voice you just heard. If not, make the necessary changes.

3. Focus on what you offer and can do.

Employers hire people for what they can do for them. The recruiter's mission is to screen candidates and recommend those who will best meet the employer's needs. Your goal is to be recommended for further consideration.

-        When describing your background, reinforce the positive and avoid the negative. You'll only get one chance to make a positive first impression, says Mr. Coffey. Stay focused by reviewing and use the key points you wrote down about your strengths. (To be continued)

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