Enjoy this short story by Hellen Heels.

“Why? Well you are not qualified for the role, Marcus. You may leave now".

He stood up and looked at the assistant that had ushered him into the office. “This is not happening, right? This is some kind of joke or something”.

The young woman behind him shook her head. “It is not a joke, Marcus. The CEO has made her decision known to you. You should leave".

He spun around to watch the CEO sipping slowly from her mug. “Ma’am. You cannot say that I am not qualified. I am very qualified to work her as your sales manager".

“Marcus, you are not the one doing this interview. I am. And I have seen that you would not make a good fit". He glanced at his clothes again and mumbled something incoherent.

The CEO frowned. “What was that you said”?

“This is not possible, ma’am. How can you not want to employ me when you can see that I am very qualified for the job”?

“Ohh. So you are now the one handling the interview. Is that it, Marcus”?

“No, that is not it, ma’am. What I am only trying to say here is that I think there is a mistake somewhere. I am qualified to be your sales manager. You cannot say that I am unqualified. You cannot".

“I have and I don’t think I want to repeat myself again, Marcus. Please leave".

He stood his ground and refused to move an inch. “Ma’am, you don’t know what you are talking about here. I am qualified".

“I said you are not".

He shook his head. “Ma’am, you have to tell me why I am not qualified".

“Really? You want to know”?

“Yes, ma’am. I deserve to know".

“Okay. I will tell you.” She turned to her assistant. “Please give me a minute with him".

The assistant nodded and left the office. Once the door closed, the CEO turned to Marcus. “I don’t usually do this, but I am going to make an exception with you".

“You don’t normally do what"?