H1B, H4 Visa

Went for 2nd time stamping at Mumbai Consulate.

Reached there 20 mins late, stood in line for 3 mins, and went inside.
After all formalities completed, waiting for almost 45 mins. There were certain windows where all H1 candidates were being called, so went and sat on the first row, right in front of one of the windows, and kept reading the white pamphlet and staring at the consular who was a girl around 35 years old.

Finally after a long wait a list of numbers were called on a window, my number was last but since i was sitting in front of the very same window where my number was called, i ended up 1st in line.

This is how the interview went

VO - finally after this long wait, you were getting me worried for you.
Me: I was wondering if you forgot about my case.

VO - first time H1?
ME: nope, renewal

VO (looking at passport and I-797)
Its been 2 years since your visa renewal is approved, why didnt you come earlier for the stamp.
Me: I didnt need to visit, my family visited me in the US and i was busy on the project. Plus if I had come sooner, the wait would have still been the same.

VO : *Smiling* ~ so who do you work for ?
ME: YYYY company. (leading clothing retailer)

VO: YYYY The clothing store?
Me: Thats right.

VO: My mother spends all her money at your store! she shops there 2-3 times a week
ME: I guess thats who really pays my salary then *Smile*

VO : *Burst out laughing* and even the lady behind her heard that and cracked up laughing!!!!
Me: If i knew, I would have got some discount coupons for you. But then that would be considered a bribe.

VO: thats very kind of you. How long have you been with them.
Me: 2 years 7 months so far.

VO: alright, its approved, if you do come back next time, remember my discount coupons.
Me: Certainly will. Have a good one! Later.

Thats it. Left from there and came home.
I felt like i was talking to a friend more than a consular.

3 days later, visa stamped, came in thru Chicago Port of Entry, and the officer there was a young guy . He had an aunt who lived in the city i worked, we even exchanged numbers and planned to meet next time he came around. I've promised to take him out.

Now - a tip to the people going for the interview, atleast at mumbai.

Just please for god sake dont suit up. A simple shirt and pant (Khakhi and a checked shirt is good enough). Dont over do the makeup or perfume. Women can dress western business formal. Look neat and clean and presentable.

Don't panic, remember at the end of the day, they need you here, and not the other way around. Be casual. Dont over do the sir and madam stuff.
"Thanks for your time", "I'd like to think so", "I appreciate it" are basic american terms you can use and build an instant rapport with the consular. Dont come of as arrogant or over confident. Smile and make eye contact with the consular. Dont worry about messing anything up, the more u think and the more u memorize stuff, the harder the interview will be. Know the basic stuff u need to know, and thats it.

My first interview i had in mumbai for my h1, other than the companies name i didnt know anything else. I still passed the interview and came here with an h1.

So dont panic, be truthful and dont lie of fake anything. Trust me, being honest pays off.

Wish you guys the best.