The interview is one of the crucial steps in obtaining a visa. It is a mistake to think that a correctly assembled package of necessary papers guarantees a successful result. Applications are often rejected precisely because of failure to pass the interview. Applicants make prevalent Schengen visa interview mistakes. That is why it is better to prepare for the meeting with the diplomatic representatives in advance and show your best qualities in the conversation.
It is insufficient to meet the requirements and possess the necessary documents to get Schengen visa. One of the stages of obtaining a Schengen visa is an interview. A Schengen visa is a special permit that allows one to enter and stay in the European area for up to 90 days. This area includes 27 countries. The document is very significant, so one should follow the recommendations that contribute to a positive response to the questionnaire.
The interview stage for obtaining a visa influences the diplomatic mission's response. After spending much time and effort collecting documents and processing the application, many people mistakenly believe the interview is just a formality. However, this is not true at all. During a personal meeting, a complete picture of the candidate is formed, and there is no place for mistakes. It is why My Schengen expert Kevin Crossman recommends using the services of a consulting agency. This approach will help to minimize the risk of rejection. The agent will explain all the nuances and prepare the client for the interview, telling about mistakes to avoid when applying for a Schengen visa.
A trivial and widespread mistake is being late. You need to understand the importance of this meeting. It is best to arrive a few minutes before the appointed time. Think in advance about how you will get to the place, and consider traffic jams and other nuances. Before the meeting, having at least a few free minutes to calm down and tune in to the conversation is essential.
The first impression is made up of many factors. And appearance is not the least of these. Hairstyle, clothes and shoes, make-up, and demeanor say a lot about the candidate. This meeting is of a business nature. Therefore, it will be appropriate to wear a formal suit. It is not necessary to overuse accessories. It is better to do minimal make-up. Appearance should talk about the seriousness and responsibility of the applicant.
The manner of communication and the behavior should symbolize respect for officials. Calmness, honesty, and politeness are the main trump cards in this conversation. Eye contact is also essential; you should not avoid it and lower your eyes. Excessive nervousness, shyness, or uncertainty can influence the decision. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to be arrogant or aggressive. Take a neutral position in the interview.
Answers to questions should be specific and clear. Try to answer substantively and briefly, without going into detail, unless asked. Do not prolong the interview. Do not exaggerate or embellish your answers. You need to listen carefully and understand the question to avoid this mistake. Do not interrupt the employee.
It happens when the applicant disagrees with the visa officer. In such a situation, the main thing is not to give in to emotions. Explaining your point of view as tactfully and calmly as possible is essential. An elevated tone will not help clarify the situation, let alone get a positive response to the application.
The interview takes place after the applicant submits the questionnaire. At this meeting, the visa officers clarify the answers and try to understand specific points in more detail. Therefore, a discrepancy between the responses in the application and at the meeting may cause suspicion, and most likely, such an application will be rejected. Falsifying answers or documents has serious consequences, so avoid such tactics. Avoiding answering questions is also not a good idea. It would be a signal of deception to the employee.
The package of documents with which you follow the interview also carries weight. The papers should be neatly collected in a folder and organized. It is required to check several times the necessary documents on the list. The applicant must have a good handle on the order of the papers they are submitting. There is no need for unnecessary documents in the folder, either. If you think you may need them, but they are not on the list, you can put them separately in a bag. But the folder for the officer must be prepared strictly by the checklist.
The interview is an essential step in the visa application process. It is the basis on which the decision is made. Therefore, it is worth taking the meeting responsibly so all the previous work is not in vain.
