Zomato CEO Surprised by 10,000 Applications for ‘Chief of Staff’ Position with ₹20 Lakh Fee

Zomato’s CEO and co-founder, Deepinder Goyal, has been left astounded by the overwhelming response to a unique job posting on social media, which garnered more than 10,000 applications within just 24 hours of being announced. The role in question was that of “Chief of Staff” at Zomato, but it came with an unusual twist: the selected candidate would have to pay a ₹20 lakh fee instead of receiving a salary. The money, however, is not for the company, but will be donated to Feeding India, a charity initiative under Zomato that works to combat hunger.

The job listing created a buzz across social media platforms, especially for its novel combination of professional opportunity and philanthropic impact. Deepinder Goyal had written in his initial announcement that Zomato was looking for individuals who were motivated not by a high salary or external validation, but by the learning opportunities that the position would offer. He emphasized that the fee should be seen as an investment in self-development rather than a traditional salary, akin to the value of an elite MBA program.

“Those who apply for this role should do it for the learning opportunity it presents rather than for a fancy, well-paying job that will make you look cool in front of yourself or the people you want to impress,” Goyal said in his post.

As an update to the job posting, Goyal revealed that over 10,000 applications had been received in response to the announcement. The applications, Goyal noted, came from individuals with varying financial circumstances, from those with plenty of money to those who acknowledged they could not afford the fee.

“Some applicants have all the money, some have a little, others say they don’t have the money, and some truly don’t have the funds,” Goyal wrote, adding that the company would be closing the application inbox by 6 PM IST that day.

The position is designed to be a unique opportunity for professional growth, allowing the chosen candidate to work on high-impact projects at Zomato, including Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India. The role is structured as an immersive learning experience, giving the selected candidate the chance to learn and contribute to Zomato’s most significant initiatives.

The announcement has sparked debates and discussion across industries, with many admiring the innovative blend of business and charity. It has highlighted Zomato’s focus on personal growth, social responsibility, and the development of high-potential talent through non-traditional career paths.

As the deadline for applications closed, many are eagerly awaiting updates on the next steps in the hiring process, with Goyal’s bold initiative continuing to generate significant buzz in the corporate world.

Sources By Agencies

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