In a bold move that has sent waves across the business world, Deepinder Goyal, CEO of online food delivery giant Zomato, has posted a unique job opening for a Chief of Staff. What sets this position apart is its unusual requirement: rather than a salary, the selected candidate will have to pay Rs 20 lakh for the opportunity in the first year. The payment, however, will be donated to Zomato’s non-profit initiative, Feeding India, which works to combat hunger across the country.
A Unique Learning Opportunity
In his post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Goyal describes the Chief of Staff role as more than just a typical high-powered job. Rather than offering flashy perks or a hefty paycheck, the position is framed as an “intensive learning programme” – akin to a “fast-track MBA”. According to Goyal, the role will provide unmatched exposure to some of Zomato’s most significant initiatives, including Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India. He says it offers the chance to “collaborate with some of the smartest folks in consumer tech”, providing the right candidate with a unique opportunity to shape the future of Zomato.
“This role is not a conventional role with the usual perks that such jobs come with,” Goyal writes, emphasizing that the position isn’t about seeking validation through a prestigious title or lucrative salary. “Think of this as a learning programme, for you both personally and professionally,” he adds, encouraging aspirants to apply for the role out of genuine curiosity and desire to learn, rather than for the benefits of a high-paying job.
The Controversial ‘Fee’
The most striking part of the job posting is the Rs 20 lakh fee that must be paid upfront. This amount, Goyal clarifies, will go directly to Feeding India, Zomato’s non-profit initiative. “100 percent of this ‘fee’ will be paid in the form of donation,” Goyal stated, adding that Zomato would also donate an additional Rs 50 lakh to a charity of the candidate’s choice. This approach highlights Zomato’s commitment to philanthropy while also raising questions about the financial barriers to entry for aspiring candidates.
Starting from the second year, the role will evolve into a salaried position, though specific details about the salary will only be disclosed later. Goyal has assured that the compensation will be “definitely more than Rs 50 lakh.”
A Job for Learners, Not Resume Builders
Goyal has made it clear that he is not looking for candidates who are simply looking to build their resumes. Instead, the ideal candidate should be “hungry”, have “common sense”, and be “humble” with a “learning mindset.” The role is designed for individuals who are “driven, empathetic, and humble”, and are willing to thrive in high-pressure environments. Goyal further emphasized that the candidate should be willing to “do the right thing, even if it comes at the cost of displeasing others.”
“I am looking for someone who has zero entitlement,” Goyal added, making it clear that the position is for those who want to make an impact and contribute to Zomato’s growth, not for those motivated by titles or status.
Reactions and Criticism
The announcement quickly garnered attention online, sparking lively discussions and a mix of reactions from social media users. Some hailed the initiative as a brilliant way to attract talent eager to learn and grow, while others criticized the high financial barrier, questioning whether such a role is accessible to most job seekers.
One user, Venkatesh Gupta, sarcastically remarked, “Great deal. Pay 20 lakhs here than enrolling yourself at Ashoka University.” Meanwhile, Arnav Gupta described the offer as “The real altMBA,” calling it a “1-year program concurrent 1-year internship at Zomato CEO’s office with a guaranteed placement at 1 crore job as CoS at Zomato.”
However, others were not as supportive. One user, Shantanu Goel, remarked, “They will surely go hungry after the loan for 20L”, to which Goyal responded, “Will let you know how this goes :)” Meanwhile, Abhishek criticized the initiative, claiming that it “tests 100 people in 1 year without paying,” a comment that Goyal quickly dismissed, stating, “No, we just want one person who gets the point. Not 100.”
Some users raised practical concerns about securing the funds, with Arindam Paul questioning whether “banks will give a 20 lakh education loan for a Zomato offer letter.”
Is This the Future of Hiring?
While Zomato’s innovative approach to hiring may raise eyebrows, it also presents an interesting paradigm shift in the way companies can attract and evaluate talent. By positioning the Chief of Staff role as an intensive learning experience, Goyal is redefining the traditional norms of career advancement, placing an emphasis on growth and education over monetary rewards.
Despite the criticisms, it’s clear that Goyal’s bold move has generated significant attention and debate about the value of such non-traditional roles. The question now remains: will other companies follow suit and create similar high-risk, high-reward opportunities for top talent?
In conclusion, while the Rs 20 lakh fee for the Chief of Staff role is undoubtedly unconventional, it serves as a provocative reminder that the future of work may not always fit into the traditional mold. Whether this approach will resonate with aspiring professionals or be seen as a barrier to entry will unfold in time. As Goyal himself puts it, “Think of this as a learning programme, not a job with a fancy title.
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