Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal recently sparked a heated public debate with a job posting for a Chief of Staff position that challenges conventional norms in the job market. The offer comes with an unorthodox twist: instead of a salary, the successful candidate will need to pay a fee of 2 million rupees ($23,700) for what Goyal describes as an “opportunity” promising learning experiences far beyond what a traditional management school could offer. While this move has generated significant attention, it has also raised important questions about access to opportunities, the role of privilege in career progression, and the ethics of such a proposal.

The Controversial Offer: What’s On the Table?

Goyal’s offer, outlined in social media posts, emphasizes the potential for immense personal growth, promising “10x more learnings than a 2-year degree from a top management school.” Candidates are expected to possess “Grade A communication skills” and a down-to-earth attitude, with the role encompassing responsibilities across Zomato’s various business verticals, including Blinkit, Zomato’s quick-commerce delivery arm. However, the first year of employment would not come with a salary, but with a fee instead—2 million rupees, which some view as a steep barrier to entry for many ambitious candidates, particularly from middle-income backgrounds.

While the offer includes a fixed annual salary of 5 million rupees ($60,000) starting from the second year if the candidate is successful, the proposal has garnered mixed reactions, with both supporters and detractors voicing strong opinions.

The Positive Spin: A Learning Opportunity Like No Other

Some executives and professionals, especially those with a background in consulting and strategy, have praised the unique nature of the offer. For example, Arnav Gupta, a tech programmer, welcomed the opportunity, seeing it as an invaluable career step for those looking to break into management consulting or corporate strategy. The “fee” concept, while unusual, is seen as an investment in professional growth, potentially offering a fast track to experience that could far surpass the traditional MBA route in terms of practical exposure to leadership challenges and business management in one of India’s most successful tech companies.

The comparison to an MBA is particularly striking. Goyal’s pitch implies that the learning and experience provided by Zomato in this role could be more valuable than a traditional, and often expensive, two-year management course. This idea of “learning by doing” resonates with many young professionals who are eager to bypass the theoretical aspects of an MBA program and instead dive directly into high-level, impactful business operations.

Furthermore, the position offers candidates a chance to work closely with a successful entrepreneur and gain exposure to multiple fast-growing business verticals under Zomato’s umbrella, including its expansion into the burgeoning quick commerce market. With Zomato’s stock price doubling and the company’s market valuation exceeding $28 billion, the chance to be part of this rapid growth is undoubtedly appealing to those seeking to gain top-tier experience.

The Criticisms: An Exclusive Opportunity for the Privileged

However, the backlash against this job offer has been equally loud, particularly from those concerned with social inequality and the barriers to entry created by the “fee.” Critics argue that the offer inherently favors candidates from wealthy backgrounds, thereby perpetuating a cycle of privilege and exclusion. Deepak Singh, a former executive at Walmart’s Flipkart, pointed out that the fee excludes “ambitious, hungry folks who don’t have that kind of money,” particularly from middle-class families.

Aparna Mittal, a diversity and inclusion expert, also criticized the job offer on the grounds that it creates an “opportunity” that is only accessible to those who are financially privileged. Such an arrangement could perpetuate a system where access to career opportunities in top companies is dictated by one’s financial status rather than merit or talent. In countries like India, where the gap between the rich and the poor remains significant, this offer could serve to further entrench inequality.

The ethical implications of such a model are not lost on many. Is it ethical for a company to effectively charge its candidates to work for them, particularly when many of the candidates may be young professionals just beginning their careers? This model could also create long-term financial stress for candidates who may not be able to afford the fee but still feel the pressure to participate in the offer for career advancement. Even if Zomato promises a salary after the first year, the upfront cost could still act as a significant deterrent for those from lower-income backgrounds.

The Question of Reputational Impact

While Goyal’s offer has sparked debate, it is essential to recognize that this is not the first time a CEO or company has used unconventional methods to attract talent. However, the level of transparency and the high public profile of Zomato make this case particularly interesting. The controversy surrounding the job offer has generated millions of views on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), drawing attention not only to Zomato’s hiring practices but also to the broader conversation about meritocracy and access to opportunity in the corporate world.

As Zomato continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the company handles the backlash. While the “fee-based” model may have attracted some attention, it also risks tarnishing the company’s reputation in the eyes of those who believe that access to opportunity should be based on talent, not financial resources. Additionally, public reactions may influence other companies in the tech and food delivery sectors, sparking a wider discussion on the ethics of paying to work.

A Bold Strategy, But At What Cost?

Deepinder Goyal’s chief of staff job offer represents a bold attempt to redefine what “career opportunities” can look like in the modern corporate world. It promises immense learning opportunities and professional growth, which could be invaluable for the right candidate. However, the significant fee for the first year has cast a shadow over this otherwise innovative approach, raising concerns about exclusion and social inequality.

In the long run, whether or not this model proves successful will depend on how Zomato and other companies within India’s tech ecosystem adapt to the criticism. While the promise of immense learning opportunities may appeal to certain ambitious candidates, the barrier to entry could limit the diversity of talent entering the field, ultimately narrowing the pool of applicants to a more privileged demographic.

The wider implications of this proposal for the job market in India, and potentially for the tech sector at large, will unfold over time. As companies continue to innovate in their hiring practices, it will be essential to strike a balance between offering unique opportunities and ensuring that those opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their economic background.

(Adapted from LiveMint.com)