Deepinder Goyal says over 10,000 applications received for the job that pays zero salary and demands a Rs 20 lakh fee

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who recently sparked widespread debate after announcing a unique job posting, revealed that he has received over 10,000 applications for the Chief of Staff role.

The unconventional job listing, which offers no salary for the first year and requires a Rs 20 lakh opportunity fee in the form of donation, attracted significant attention and mixed reactions online.

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 really don’t have the money

We will be closing the… https://t.co/8a6XhgeOGk

— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 21, 2024

Goyal earlier shared the job listing, which highlights qualities such as hunger, a lot of common sense, empathy, not a lot of experience, being down to earth, learning mindset, Grade A communication skills, and zero entitlement as prerequisites for applicants.

Update: I am looking for a chief of staff for myself. pic.twitter.com/R4XPp3CefJ

— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 20, 2024

Explaining the job description, Goyal wrote, "Anything and everything to build the future of Zomato (including Blinkit, District, Hyperpure, and Feeding India)."

He expalined that the candidate will gain "10x more learnings than a two-year degree from a top management school," working closely with him and leaders in consumer tech.

Interestingly, after the first year, a competitive salary exceeding Rs 50 lakh will be offered, with further details to be disclosed only at the start of the second year. 

He explained the fee structure is designed to attract applicants prioritizing personal and professional growth over monetary gain.

Netizens reaction

2014 : Customers are paying Zomato
2018 : Investors are paying Zomato
2024 : Employees are paying Zomato

— Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) November 21, 2024

Paying ₹20 lakhs for a ‘Chief of Staff’ role? This is pure exploitation and legally questionable.

Mr. Goyal, donations get tax exemptions, but employment payments don’t.@Zomato, as a publicly traded company, such moves risk legal trouble and reputational damage.

You’re no…

— Ankush (@IamKatochA) November 21, 2024

"The conditions of this role feel like a job scam call we receive every day: Pay $$$ to get a high-paying job! Note: In India, employing people without paying a salary is illegal and a direct violation of the Minimum Wages Act, of 1948," a user wrote. 

""what if you get fired before", "against the law", "unethical". you think they didn't consider all that? really? massive publicly listed company hasn't considered 360° implications before launching this? they've OBVIOUSLY thought about it MUCH more than anybody else commenting," another highlighted.