Zomato's New Job Offer Is Taking Internet By Rage: Here's Why

Zomato is no stranger to unconventional ideas, however, its latest job offering for the ‘Chief of Staff’ offering is making waves for all the wrong - or right - reasons, depending on who you ask.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill corporate role, instead of earning a salary in the first year, the chosen candidate is expected to pay Rs 20 lakh to join.

Zomato’s CEO Deepinder Goyal took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce this role which has ignited a storm of debate online. Many are questioning whether this a bold step towards redefining corporate roles or a troubling example of employment standards going downhill.

The Offer That Has Turned Heads

Goyal defines his offer as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for a highly motivated, hungry, and humble individual eager to learn. For anybody interested, the role promises deep exposure to Zomato’s key projects like Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India. Goyal equates the experience one would get under this opportunity akin to doing an MBA program - minus the degree.

The Rs 20 lakh fee that the candidate has to pay will be donated to Zomato’s non-profit arm, Feeding India, while the food delivery platform pledges to donate Rs 50 lakh to a charity chosen by the candidate.

After a year, the position will transition into a salaried role, though details about the pay remain undisclosed.

The application process goes something like this: Candidates are required to submit a 200-word cover letter with no resume or credentials necessary. This requirement aligns with Goyal’s ‘vision’ to find an employee who is hungry to learn and, at the same time, is free of entitlement.

This job offer challenges traditional notions of employment shifting focus from monetary compensation to learning and growth. Here, the framing of this opportunity as an MBA-equivalent program has sparked comparison to business schools where hefty fees are paid for education and networking opportunities.

But this makes one wonder, is it fair to expect employees to pay for a job, even under the guise of a high-value learning experience? This is where the discourse has sharply divided opinions.

Criticism Against This Offer

The Rs 20 lakh fee poses a significant financial barrier who most who may want to work under this role. It excludes a large portion of talented individuals who might lack the resources to pay such an amount. Netizens have argued that this setup prioritises privilege over potential.

On the ethical aspect, many have called this offer ‘exploitative’ - pointing out that employment is traditionally meant to compensate individuals for their skills and time, not the other way around.

A user commented on Goyal’s post, “We’re normalising working without a salary to seem different, but let’s be real - a job is supposed to help pay bills, not create new ones.”

Another user added, “This is not an internship or a philanthropic program. It is employment, and it should be treated as such.”

Can Such An Offer Bear Legal Repercussions?

As a publicly listed company, Zomato’s actions can come under scrutiny, a user pointed out questioning whether the arrangement complies with labour laws. As a user states, “Donations get tax exemptions, but employment payments don’t. This move risks legal trouble and reputational damage for a publicly traded company.”

Amid such criticism, there are some who view this offer as a bold and innovative step. Supporters say that this is a unique opportunity to work closely with Zomato's leadership while gaining hands-on experience that no classroom can provide.

Zomato’s offer is as much about branding as it is about hiring. The move positions it as bold, disruptive, and forward-looking company which may appeal to those who value purpose over pay. However, the backlash reveals the risk of alienating potential talent and damaging its reputation as an employer.

The bigger question here remains: Where is the line between innovation and exploitation?

So far, the company has received over 10,000 applications. In a post earlier this morning, Goyal stated A lot of them (applications) are 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

However, a user commented that this all may be a marketing gimmick. He says, “Don't think there's any intent to hire anyone here with these conditions. The logical end to this very likely will be a philosophical take on this whole exercise.”

Whether this is a groundbreaking innovation in hiring or a misstep that could harm Zomato’s employer brand remains to be seen. For now, the internet and potential candidates are watching closely.