Zomato CEO’s Unique Job Role Receives Over 10,000 Applications

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who recently me helines with a job posting featuring unconventional requirements, shared that he has received over 10,000 applications for Chief of Staff role.

job description sparked widespre outrage, with many questioning its ethics and inclusivity. Goyal provided an update on applications, highlighting that application process would close at 6 PM on same day.

“We have over 10,000 applications, a lot of m well thought through, mixed between:
    1.    Those who have all money
    2.    Those who have some of money
    3.    Those who say y don’t have money
    4.    Those who really don’t have money

We will be closing application inbox by 6 PM IST today. Stay tuned for Update 3,” his post re.

Unique Job Requirements

job description stated, “Anything and everything to build future of Zomato, including Blinkit, District, Hyperpure, and Feeding India.” However, role came with an unusual twist: Chief of Staff candidate would need to pay an “opportunity fee” of ₹20 lakh to company.

ditionally, role would not offer a salary for first year. Inste, ₹20 lakh paid by candidate would be donated to Feeding India, a non-profit organization.

post also outlined that from second year onwards, Chief of Staff would receive a salary of over ₹50 lakh. Furrmore, Zomato pledged to contribute ₹50 lakh to a charity of selected candidate’s choice.

“Second year onwards, we will start paying you usual salary (definitely more than ₹50 lakh, but something we will only talk about at start of Year 2),” job posting stated.

Goyal emphasized that opportunity was more than just a job—it was a chance for personal and professional growth. “Think of this as a fast-track learning program, both personally and professionally – wher or not you succeed at this role. We want learners for this role, not résumé builders,” he said.

How Did Internet React?

job posting sparked a flood of reactions online. One user humorously commented:
“2014: Customers are paying Zomato
2018: Investors are paying Zomato
2024: Employees are paying Zomato.”

Anor pointed out lack of clarity about skills required for role: “You only talked about money but not about experience and skills. Waiting for Update 3 to know how you take forward this marketing gimmick.”

A third user sarcastically wrote: “More than 10,000 applications in less than 24 hours for a role where Rs 20 lakh must be paid by selected candidate and no salary is offered for first year. Let’s see who lucky candidate will be.”

Meanwhile, some users acknowledged Zomato’s knack for staying in spotlight: “Zomato knows how to make things viral :) Eagerly waiting for Update 3.”

Despite controversy, overwhelming number of applications reflects significant interest in working directly with CEO of one of India’s leing food tech companies. debate has also sparked discussions about intersection of opportunity, privilege, and corporate ethics in hiring practices.