Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has once again made headlines with his unconventional approach to hiring. In a recent job post for a Chief of Staff position, Goyal mentioned an unusual prerequisite – applicants must be willing to invest ₹20 lakh for the opportunity.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with opinions ranging from intrigue to criticism.
The Intent Behind the Proposal
In a clarification shared by Goyal, the ₹20 lakh figure was never about money. Instead, it was a deliberate filter to attract candidates with a hunger for learning and a long-term vision. He emphasized that the requirement was designed to identify individuals who could appreciate the opportunity for a fast-track career, unhindered by short-term financial concerns.
Goyal explained that the application process received over 18,000 submissions, showcasing the overwhelming interest in the role. However, he reiterated that the monetary component would not play a decisive role in the hiring process. “We will reject most applications that focused on the money and instead look for genuine intent and a learning mindset,” he stated.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions. While some lauded the creative approach to filtering applicants, others criticized the move, suggesting it could promote pay-to-play hiring norms. Goyal responded to such concerns, affirming his belief in fair compensation and the principle of paying employees above market rates to ensure money doesn’t hinder great work.
The Bigger Picture
This unique approach by Goyal reflects a growing trend of organizations experimenting with non-traditional hiring methods to attract top talent. While the ₹20 lakh proposal was primarily a symbolic filter, the controversy has highlighted the importance of balancing innovative hiring practices with inclusivity and fairness.
The debate continues, with industry leaders and job seekers closely watching the outcome of Zomato’s unconventional hiring experiment.
