Zomato CEO's Bizarre Job Offer: 10,000+ Applications Pour In Despite Backlash (Image:X/Zomato)
Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal posted a unique job ad on Wednesday for a Chief of Staff position that’s generated quite a buzz on social media platforms. However, he wrote that no salary for the first year, but instead a Rs 20 lakh ($23,700) “fee” to work with the company.
CEO Goyal is looking for someone “down-to-earth” with top-notch communication skills to help build Zomato, Blinkit and other ventures. The ideal candidate must be willing to learn and take on new challenges and should have a two-year degree from a top management school, he wrote on X.
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Update: I am looking for a chief of staff for myself. pic.twitter.com/R4XPp3CefJ
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 20, 2024
The post received huge criticism on social media. Some saw it as an exploitation saying it excludes ambitious candidates who can’t afford but are willing to work with an experienced entrepreneur.
Despite the backlash, Goyal announced on Thursday that Zomato received over 10,000 applications. He categorised them into four groups: those who have the money, those who have some money, those who claim they don’t have money and those who genuinely can’t afford it.
Update 2: we have over 10,000 applications, a lot of them well thought through, mixed between –
1. Those who have all the money
2. Those who have some of the money
3. Those who say they don’t have the money
4. Those who don’t have the moneyWe will be closing the… https://t.co/8a6XhgeOGk
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 21, 2024
Even after the second update, many users slammed the move, calling it “exploitative” and “legally questionable.” Some even warned that it could lead to reputational damage and legal trouble for the publicly traded company.
2014: Customers are paying Zomato
2018: Investors are paying Zomato
2024: Employees are paying Zomato— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) November 21, 2024
Another user commented: “Paying ₹20 lakhs for a ‘Chief of Staff’ role? This is pure exploitation and legally questionable. Mr. Goyal, donations get tax exemptions, but employment payment as a publicly traded company, such moves risk legal trouble and reputational damage. You’re no longer a private firm action is under scrutiny. Consult your legal team before proceeding.”
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“what if you get fired before”, “against the law”, or “unethical”?
Do You think they didn’t consider all that? Really? The massive publicly listed company hasn’t considered 360° implications before launching this? They’ve thought about it MUCH more than anybody else commenting.— Karteek (@hkarteek) November 21, 2024
