Zomato's Rs 20 Lakh Job Application Fee Sparks Curiosity, Draws Over 10,000 Applicants

Zomato co-founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal has received over 10,000 applications for the position of Chief of Staff within 24 hours of posting the job alert.

Sharing the update on Thursday, Goyal announced that the application deadline was set for 6 pm, reported Money Control.

"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," Goyal wrote.

The job listing, shared on Wednesday, specified that candidates for the Chief of Staff role would be required to pay Zomato Rs 20 lakh (equivalent to the first year's salary) as a donation to the company's charitable initiative, Feeding India.

While Goyal promised updates on the selection process, the unconventional hiring approach has sparked controversy online, with many labelling it a marketing stunt.

Industrialist Harsh Goenka was among the critics, pointing out that the requirement would exclude talented candidates without financial resources.

"₹20 lakh fee excludes talented but underprivileged candidates," Goenka commented on X.

"Asking to pay for a job feels exploitative, even if positioned as 'learning'. Lack of clarity on year 2 salary, innovative idea- yes I like it (good PR value too) yet it raises ethical concerns."

In his original announcement on Wednesday, Goyal described the position as "unconventional" and admitted that it was designed to deter most applicants.

"This role is not a conventional role with the usual perks that such jobs come with. In fact, we are making this job unattractive for most people. There is no salary for this role for the first year. You will have to, in fact, pay ₹20 lakh for this opportunity. 100% of this 'fee' will be paid in the form of a donation directly to Feeding India," he stated.

To address concerns, Goyal clarified that Zomato would not be saving money through this arrangement. The company would donate ₹50 lakh, equivalent to the Chief of Staff's salary, to a charity of the employee's choice.

Goyal added that from the second year onwards, the company would provide a "usual salary" exceeding ₹50 lakh, though specifics would be discussed at the start of the second year.

Highlighting the benefits of the role, Goyal asserted that the Chief of Staff would gain "10x more learnings than a 2-year degree from a top management school" by working closely with him and some of the "smartest folks in consumer tech".