Introduction: Zomato’s Bold Chief of Staff Job Posting Stirs Debate
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has created a buzz with an unconventional job posting for a Chief of Staff role at the company. Unlike typical job offers, this position comes with no salary in the first year. Instead, candidates are asked to pay Rs 20 lakh as a “fee” to take up the role, with the entire amount donated to the charity Feeding India.
This surprising move, shared by Goyal on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked mixed reactions online. While some praise the opportunity for personal growth and the chance to make a meaningful contribution, others are skeptical about the fairness and accessibility of such a unique offer.
The Job Offer Details: What’s the Catch?
In his post, Deepinder Goyal explained the Chief of Staff role would come with no salary for the first year. However, the candidate would have to pay a Rs 20 lakh fee, which will be fully donated to Feeding India, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger. Goyal also clarified that Zomato would contribute an additional Rs 50 lakh to any charity of the selected candidate’s choice.
While this job offer is undeniably unique, the idea behind it is to attract applicants who value learning and growth over immediate financial rewards.
“The role is designed to attract individuals who are hungry to learn, empathetic, and possess excellent communication skills,” Goyal wrote in the job listing. He emphasized that applicants should have a learning mindset and be down-to-earth, with no entitlement. These qualities, he believes, are essential to building the future of Zomato, which includes Blinkit, District, Hyperpure, and Feeding India.
Why Rs 20 Lakh?
The idea of paying to work may seem strange to many, but Deepinder Goyal believes the Rs 20 lakh fee is a way to ensure that candidates are serious about their personal and professional growth. In return for the fee, Goyal promises that the selected candidate will gain “10x more learnings” than they would from a top-tier management school.
Goyal assured that the candidate would get the opportunity to work directly with him and senior leaders in the consumer tech space, gaining hands-on experience that would be more valuable than any formal education.
Interestingly, after the first year, the candidate would be offered a competitive salary of over Rs 50 lakh, with further salary details revealed only at the start of the second year.
This compensation structure aims to attract individuals who are more focused on personal growth than immediate monetary gain.
Mixed Reactions: Is This Fair to Job Seekers?
While some users on social media praised Goyal’s innovative approach, others were quick to express their concerns. Critics questioned the fairness of such an offer, especially in terms of accessibility for younger candidates or those without financial resources.
One user expressed, “Bad idea. What if the person doesn’t fit after 3 months? They’ll lose a lot of money and gain nothing but a bitter experience. Young people need money, not the afterglow of charity.”
Another questioned whether it would even be possible for candidates to secure a loan for such a large sum: “Will banks give a Rs 20 lakh education loan just for a Zomato job offer?” they asked.
Many agreed that while the learning opportunity may be valuable, it might not be fair to expect people to work for free while also paying such a hefty sum upfront. “We’re trying to normalize working without a salary to seem cool and different, but let’s be real, a job is supposed to help you pay bills and put food on the table. You can’t expect people to work for free and also shell out ₹20 lakh,” said another user.
The Bigger Picture: What’s the Takeaway?
Despite the criticisms, Goyal’s decision to make such a bold move is undeniably interesting. In a world where job seekers often chase high-paying positions for the sake of financial security, this offer flips the script by prioritizing learning and charitable giving over financial rewards in the short term.
This approach could be seen as visionary, creating an opportunity for individuals who are eager to grow, contribute, and learn rather than just earn. However, it’s also a reminder that while such offers may appeal to a certain type of person—especially those with a deep passion for learning and social good—it may not be practical or fair for the average job seeker.
Could This Change Job Recruitment Norms?
The Chief of Staff job offer at Zomato raises an interesting question: Could this model of paying for a job as a way of making a social contribution become more common? Could other companies follow suit, introducing roles that are based more on social impact and learning rather than immediate salary?
While this approach may be revolutionary in some circles, it also underscores the inequality that exists in job markets. Access to such opportunities requires financial resources, which not everyone has. In a perfect world, companies would offer these learning opportunities without requiring upfront payment, especially to those who need financial security the most.
Conclusion: Is Zomato’s Unique Job Offer a Bold Step or a Risky Gamble?
Deepinder Goyal’s job posting for the Chief of Staff role at Zomato is a bold and unconventional step that has both supporters and critics. The opportunity offers a valuable learning experience and a chance to contribute to charity, but the Rs 20 lakh fee for the first year has raised serious questions about fairness and accessibility.
Whether you see this as a genius move to attract passionate and driven individuals or as an unfair offer that excludes many qualified candidates, one thing is clear: it’s a conversation starter. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this model will inspire other companies or if it will be seen as a one-off experiment.
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