Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s unconventional job posting for a Chief of Staff position has stirred significant public discussion. The role requires candidates to pay Rs 20 lakh and work without a salary for the first year, a unique approach that has attracted over 10,000 applications within 24 hours.
Goyal took to X (formerly Twitter) to share updates about the job posting. He noted that the applications came from individuals across diverse financial backgrounds. “A lot of them well thought through, mixed between those who have all the money, some of the money, those who say they don’t have the money, and those who really don’t have the money,” he wrote.
Despite the enthusiastic response, the position has drawn criticism for potentially excluding underprivileged candidates. Industrialist Harsh Goenka described the Rs 20 lakh fee as “potentially exploitative” and raised ethical concerns, noting that it could exclude talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Goenka acknowledged the idea’s innovation but questioned its fairness.
While some have likened Goyal’s initiative to programs such as “altMBA,” praising it for its boldness, others remain skeptical about its implications.
The role, based at Zomato‘s Gurugram headquarters, offers a salary exceeding Rs 50 lakh starting in the second year. Additionally, the company has pledged to match the Rs 20 lakh fee paid by the candidate with a Rs 50 lakh donation to a charity of the candidate’s choice, emphasizing that cost-saving is not the intent behind the fee.
The position specifically seeks candidates with “hunger” and “empathy,” rather than extensive experience, signaling a preference for eager learners over seasoned professionals. Applications for the role close at 6 PM today.
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The posting has generated widespread debate, reflecting broader tensions between innovation and inclusivity in hiring practices.
