How Sheela clinched the job

Sheela was waiting in the hall for her turn to be called in. Already about 11 men had gone in. There were four more waiting including her. From the bits of information she could gather, she learnt there was only one vacancy. Some said when they came out of the interview room, they suspected it was all a sham from the indifferent way questions was put and that they must have chosen the candidate already. She had all along been working on temporary vacancies for a few months. Since she last worked, three months had passed and it was difficult to make both ends meet with meager savings. She had her sick father and mother to look after. Sheela needed this job badly. She prayed to all Gods for their grace. She was hungry and tired both physically and mentally. All the four men had finished. She was the only one to be called. There was no call from inside. It took unusually longer time. Her heart beat fast and was perspiring heavily.After what looked infinity, she heard her name being called.

With prayers in her heart and papers in hand she entered with hesitation. There were three persons with an elderly man in grey hairs and glasses in the centre. He smiled at her and said “Sheela, is it. Please take your seat”

”Thanks, Sir” she said as she took her seat.

“So you are the last candidate. You must have been waiting for a long time” he said in a kind tone.

Another person who was looking at her papers asked her “I see you have not stayed in any company for more than three or four months. Why is it so? Do you find it difficult to stay on at a place for long?”

“It is not my fault, Sir. All of them are short term temporary leave vacancies. I would very much desire to work for very long in one place. I have been unlucky so far” she replied

The third gentleman said “As a result you have not been able to accumulate enough skill and experience as your tenure came to an end. We have interviewed candidates with longer experience” But he did not expect any answer from her as he turned to the senior man in the middle seat.

The elderly man smiled at her again and asked her “Can you tell us why you think you deserve this job?”

She wiped the perspiration from her forehead and said “I am the only daughter. My father is sick and not working. My mom is unlettered. My family runs on my income. I am without a job for the last three months”

One of the men intervened to say “Most of the candidates who attended the interview are without jobs even for longer periods. Tell us something different.”

“I am academically bright. I am hardworking and I am sure you will not regret your selection in case you give me the job” she replied

“That is what everyone says”

The older man gently prodded her asking “Please give me one convincing reason why I should tilt the scale in your favour.Take your time to reply”

She did not take much time to reply.”Sir, today there were 15 candidates and I am the lone female. Today happens to be Woman’s day when internationally it is regarded as a day of celebration in honour of women giving them respect, appreciation and love and help them in their economic and social achievement. I feel Sir this is a valid reason” she said with a smile
All the three let out peals of laughter and said “You won”