Zomato, the multinational restaurant aggregator and food delivery company based in India, has recently attracted attention with a unique job offer: a position that comes with no salary for the first year, but requires an application fee of Dh8,700 (about 200,000 rupees). According to CEO Deepinder Goyal, the funds collected from applicants will be donated to Feeding India, Zomato’s non-profit initiative.
In a LinkedIn post, Goyal explained that the Chief of Staff position, located in Gurugram, is not centered on financial benefits but rather on learning and contributing to the future development of Zomato, Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India. The application fee is meant to weed out candidates who are primarily motivated by monetary gain and to attract those eager to learn and advance their careers.
He pointed out that this approach aims to challenge the traditional career progression model in India’s corporate landscape. “This role is for individuals who want to learn and make a difference, not just enhance their resumes,” Goyal stated.
A Controversial Move
The job offer has ignited a lively discussion, with critics questioning the fairness of imposing an application fee. They argue that this could limit the opportunity for many qualified candidates, benefiting only those who can afford to pay. However, Goyal stood by the decision, asserting that the fee serves as a filter to ensure candidates are genuinely motivated to learn and grow.
Supporters of the initiative, including former Zomato employees, have lauded the opportunity, suggesting that the experience gained could surpass that of a traditional MBA. Arnav Gupta, the former Engineering Head of Consumer App at Zomato, remarked that the role would provide practical knowledge that no MBA program could match.
What’s Next for the Role?
Although the first year offers no salary, those who successfully secure the position will receive a substantial salary starting in the second year. Goyal indicated that the compensation would be around 50 million rupees (approximately Dh217,500) after the initial year.
