Deepinder Goyal's Unique Zomato 'Job Offer' Stuns All: 'You Will Have To Pay Rs 20 Lakh For...'

Goyal says the role isn’t focused on flashy perks or high salaries. Instead, it offers the chance to collaborate with some of the industry's sharpest minds and contribute to shaping Zomato's future

Goyal says the role isn’t focused on flashy perks or high salaries

Source : X

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has announced an opening for a unique Chief of Staff position. Interestingly, rather than receiving a salary in the first year, the chosen candidate must pay Rs 20 lakh as a "fee" to take on the role. This unconventional hiring and professional development approach is making headlines for its unique and bold nature. He is being trolled too.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Goyal outlined the ideal candidate for the role as driven, empathetic, and humble, with no sense of entitlement and a strong eagerness to learn. The position offers unmatched exposure to some of Zomato’s most significant projects, including Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India. It is framed as an intensive learning opportunity akin to an elite MBA programme.

Goyal says the role isn’t focused on flashy perks or high salaries. Instead, it offers the chance to collaborate with some of the industry's sharpest minds and contribute to shaping Zomato's future.

Update: I am looking for a chief of staff for myself. pic.twitter.com/R4XPp3CefJ

— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 20, 2024

In the first year, the selected candidate will not receive a salary. Instead, they must contribute Rs 20 lakh, which will be donated to Feeding India, Zomato’s non-profit initiative combating hunger. Zomato will also donate Rs 50 lakh to a charity of the candidate's choice to further emphasise its commitment to philanthropy. Starting from the second year, the role will evolve into a salaried position, with the specific salary details to be disclosed later.

“Think of this as a fast-track learning programme,” the job description states. Rather than seeking validation through a prestigious title or lucrative salary, the focus is on personal and professional development.

'They Will Surely Go Hungry'

Goyal has made it clear that he is not looking for individuals interested in building their resumes but rather genuine learners eager to tackle the challenges of a demanding role. The expectation is to thrive in high-stakes situations, emphasising creating impact over seeking comfort.

The job listing has ignited lively discussions on social media, with some praising its bold approach to attracting talent committed to growth, while others have criticised the significant financial barrier to entry and the fact that the position is unpaid for the first year. 

Aspiring candidates are required to submit a 200-word cover letter directly to Goyal without including a resume. 

See the reactions here: 

They will surely go hungry after the loan for 20L

— Shantanu Goel (@shantanugoel) November 20, 2024

As if exploring the Gig economy workers wasn’t euf , now kick the middle class parent cause food delivery company with inflated pricing wants a chief of staff..

Just say you want to test 100people in 1 year without paying

— Abhishek :) (@KingELF2022) November 20, 2024

Bad idea. Please pay. 3 months into it, if you feel the person is not the right fit. He will lose a lot of money. And will gain nothing but a bitter experience.

Young people need money, not the afterglow of charity.

— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) November 20, 2024

Had check for a moment if it's April 1 😂

I'm OK with this being an unpaid 1 yr internship if you honestly call it that.

Paying ₹20L upfront and leaving compensation from year 2 vague is unfair to say the least.

You are looking at someone who has ₹20L to donate and have…

— Anand Sankar (@kalapian_) November 20, 2024