In an unusual move, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has announced a job opening for the position of Chief of Staff at the company’s headquarters in Gurugram. However, the job offer comes with a peculiar condition: no salary in the first year, and a requirement for the selected candidate to pay Rs 20 lakh as a fee.
This bold job posting has raised eyebrows, but Goyal explains that the role is designed for individuals with a strong desire to learn and grow, rather than those seeking immediate financial gain. According to Goyal’s LinkedIn post, the ideal candidate should possess “hunger,” “empathy,” and “common sense,” while not necessarily having significant prior experience or a sense of entitlement.”
This role is not about resume building or financial perks,” Goyal emphasized. “It’s for those who want to learn and contribute to the future of Zomato, Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India.”
The Rs 20 lakh fee, which must be donated directly to Feeding India—a non-profit initiative backed by Zomato—has sparked debates. Goyal clarified that the fee is intended to ensure that candidates are genuinely motivated by the opportunity to learn, rather than by monetary compensation.
Despite the lack of salary in the first year, Zomato promises to donate Rs 50 lakh to a charity of the chosen candidate’s preference—equivalent to the typical salary for this role. From the second year onwards, the Chief of Staff will receive a competitive salary, with figures exceeding Rs 50 lakh annually.
Applicants interested in the role must submit a 200-word cover letter directly to Goyal, without attaching a resume. The selection process will solely rely on the content of the letter, emphasizing the importance of a candidate’s passion, ambition, and alignment with Zomato’s values.
Goyal referred to the role as a “fast-track learning opportunity,” likening it to a high-intensity, real-world management course. While supporters view the position as a rare chance to learn directly from a leading entrepreneur, especially for those passionate about consumer tech, critics argue that the Rs 20 lakh fee creates an inherent barrier, limiting the opportunity to individuals with substantial financial privilege.
By presenting the Chief of Staff role as a learning experience rather than a traditional job, Goyal is challenging conventional ideas of professional growth in corporate India, positioning this opportunity as one for those willing to invest in their learning and contribute to shaping the future of the company.
