Deepinder Goyal's controversial job posting for chief of staff receives flak online

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has sparked a heated debate online after posting an unconventional job opening for a chief of staff position on Wednesday. The role, which offers an opportunity to work closely with Goyal, comes with a twist: no salary for the first year and a fee of Rs 20 lakh to be paid by the candidate.

Social media users had a field day, criticising the job posting and calling it exploitative and unfair. Some questioned the ethics of requiring a fee for a job, especially one that offers no pay for the first year. Others said such a high fee bars talented individuals from applying, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

Goyal has defended the job posting, arguing that the role offers learning opportunities and the chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry. As per his post, the fee will be donated to Feeding India, a non-profit organisation. Additionally, Zomato will also contribute Rs 50 lakh to a charity chosen by the chosen candidate.


On Wednesday, Goyal posted an update saying that the job posting attracted over 10,000 applicants. These were "mixed between - those who have all the money, those who have some of the money, those who say they don’t have the money, those who really don’t have the money", he said. The application inbox will be closed by 6 pm today.

"After reading this, banks are planning to offer an Employment Loan in this. Your EMI will start after 1 year," one user wrote on Goyal's LinkedIn post.

"Ah, Zomato, the master of the bait-and-switch. First, they dangle a shiny lollipop to lure you in, and then, surprise! The exploitation begins," a comment on the read.

Another user on X said, "They will surely go hungry after the loan for 20L." To this, Goyal replied, "Will let you know how this goes."




Not all were against the posting, however. Many viewed this as a learning opportunity better than most MBA courses. "Great deal. Pay 20 lakhs here than enrolling yourself at Ashoka University," one person wrote.

Another user likened this to a guaranteed placement program. "20L fees. 1 year program. Concurrent 1 year internship at Zomato CEO's office. Guaranteed placement at 1cr job as CoS at Zomato. Only 1 seat. Other large company founders/CEOs should create a similar program for their staff offices like this," the post read.