Business Visa - B1

I want to share my views and advice from my two times interview experience at Delhi.
Though I agree, luck plays a very important role but yes preparation helps so its better to over-prepare and put your best.

First interview in October 2016 (B1 Rejected)
Before interview:
1. I did some preparation with the help of my friends.
2. Read many interview questions on this site.
3. I was confident about getting visa as I already had travelled to Europe and other Asian countries before.

My plan for the interview:
1. Be very clear while answering
2. Don't hesitate, be confident
3. Give one line answers (to the point)
4. Just answer, nothing more, nothing less.

On interview day:
1. Followed my plan meticulously.
2. Was confident, throughout the interview.
3. One line answers only.
4. Normal common questions for B1 was asked to me also.

But my visa got rejected.

Possible reasons for rejection:
1. She asked me, whether I had visited any other country for work purpose from the company?
Though I had visited but not with my current company so I just replied "No".
Instead, I should have said "I have visited on work purpose from my previous company but not with this company"

2. He asked about my roles and responsibility?
Gave one line technical answer, which I think she couldn't understand.
I should have made effort to make her understand by giving more details.

3. She asked about my year of experience?
I told her my year of experience in the current company only. Instead I should have said "My total work experience is 9 years where as in my current company I am working from last 2 years"

2nd Interview Experience (B1 Approved)
After 7 months of 1st refusal, I applied again.

Before the interview:
1. I was nervous
2. I practiced, took mock interview with my friends, asked different people for answers and possible questions.
3. I was not sure of getting this time also, since there was no change in my condition.

My plan for the interview:
1. No one liners, talk till you feel the officer has understood what you want to convey.
2. Anticipate what he wants to know, and give more details.
3. If given chance showcase your positive points like previous visits, more number of experience in same company, why the visit is important, etc

On the interview day:
1. I got little nervous
2. Fumbled on few lines, but I made sure to explain every thing properly and in detail.
3. Normal B1 questions.
4. With every questions, I gave more information than asked to clear his doubt.
5. He asked about my previous rejected visa. (prepare well for this question based on your situation)
6. Though there were few unexpected questions which I had not prepared but I was able to give answer by
    modifying few of my prepared answers. (So preparation is important, practice, do mock interviews)
7. Finally, heard the voice "Your visa is approved". I was all smiles and was relieved :)

My overall advise:
1. It is your responsibility to explain your situation to them properly so explain everything very clearly.
2. Don't rely on only the questions they ask. Answer their question and add more information if you fell is required.
3. Remain natural, its OK to fumble but don't be too nervous
4. Practice difficult and unexpected questions before the interview.
8. One liner answers might be risky so explain more. Do let any doubt come to their mind.
9. Finally, over-prepare. It will not harm in any case.
10. Luck is very important, so don't take it as a reflection on your personality.