Taken from the McDonnell$-$Douglas v$.$ Green case, prima facie is established when the plaintiff is able to show all of the following EXCEPT:

A$)$ His or her status as a member of a legally protected group.

B$)$ The plaintiff was qualified for the job he or she applied for.

C$)$ The employer continued to seek other applicants after the rejection occurred.

D$)$ Mitigating circumstances suggesting the use of the same standard being appliec