[header] How to answer the phone politely [title] Pick up after 2 or 3 rings. [step] When you're answering calls at work, let the phone ring 2 or 3 times before your answer it. If you let it ring more than 3 times, the caller may become impatient and feel that their call is being ignored. 
[substeps] On the other hand, if you pick up after the first ring, the caller may be taken aback by the quick answer. They may not have had enough time to compose their thoughts.