Zomato’s cofounder and CEO, Deepinder Goyal, has found himself at the center of a heated debate following an unconventional job posting for a Chief of Staff role.
The post, shared on November 20 across his social media platforms, went viral for its provocative terms: no salary in the first year and an upfront INR 20 Lakh “fee.”
The job listing described the role as an “alternative MBA” opportunity, seeking candidates with strong common sense, communication skills, and empathy, rather than traditional experience.
Deepinder Goyal emphasized that the selected individual would oversee pivotal tasks to shape Zomato’s future.
Clarification Amid Backlash
Facing criticism, Deepinder Goyal clarified that the INR 20 Lakh fee was a “filter” to identify candidates with a strong appreciation for the opportunity.
He assured applicants that the fee would not be collected, stating, “Charging the fees was never part of the plan.”
He further shared that the money was intended as a donation to Zomato’s Feeding India initiative, with Zomato contributing an additional INR 50 Lakh to the selected candidate’s charity of choice.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
The unconventional approach drew polarized reactions:
- Supporters praised the initiative as a bold move to disrupt traditional hiring practices. Others likened it to a unique leadership program that transcends conventional resume-based recruitment.
- Critics, however, raised ethical and legal concerns. Many questioned the exclusivity of the fee requirement, arguing that it excluded candidates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Legal experts warned of potential violations of labor laws, including the Payment of Wages Act.
Some users also pointed out that the role, framed as an unpaid learning opportunity, could alienate those with financial responsibilities, undermining its inclusivity.
Massive Interest Despite Controversy
Despite the uproar, the job listing attracted a staggering 18,000 applications before it was closed.
Deepinder Goyal announced that Zomato would begin shortlisting candidates within the week. He reiterated that the focus would remain on “genuine intent and a learning mindset,” rather than financial capability.
A Step Forward or a Step Too Far?
While Deepinder Goyal’s move has sparked a lively debate on talent acquisition, inclusivity, and ethical hiring, it also underscores Zomato’s ability to draw attention to its innovative practices, whether for better or worse.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on how Zomato navigates this controversy and whether it ultimately finds the ideal candidate for this high-profile role.
