Deepinder Goyal, CEO of India-based food delivery company Zomato, has sparked a heated debate online by advertising a Chief of Staff position with unconventional terms: no salary in the first year and a 2 million rupee ($23,700) fee to be paid by the successful candidate.

Goyal described the role as an unparalleled learning opportunity, offering more than what a two-year degree from a top management school could provide.

In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Goyal clarified the job offer, stating:

• The candidate must be "hungry, down to earth, and have zero entitlement," with strong communication skills and a "learning mindset."
• The role involves "anything and everything to build the future of Zomato," including its verticals Blinkit, Hyperpure, and Feeding India.
• The 2 million rupee fee would be donated directly to Feeding India, a charitable initiative. Goyal also pledged to donate 5 million rupees ($60,000) to a charity of the candidate's choice.
• From the second year onward, the Chief of Staff would receive a salary of "definitely more than 5 million rupees", though the exact amount would be determined later.

In his post, Goyal emphasised that the unconventional terms were meant to attract candidates motivated by learning rather than a high-paying, prestigious role. "We want learners for this role, not resume builders," he wrote, encouraging applicants to email a 200-word cover letter instead of submitting a resume.

The job listing has drawn mixed reactions online. Critics argue that the high entry cost excludes talented individuals from middle- and lower-income backgrounds, creating barriers to opportunity.

As per a report by Reuters, Deepak Singh, a former Flipkart executive, remarked on LinkedIn that this job offer "automatically excludes ambitious, hungry folks who don't have that kind of money."

Aparna Mittal, an inclusion advocate, called it a privilege-based offer, states the report.

Supporters, however, praised the opportunity for its potential to provide a steep career trajectory. "If you're looking for a career in management consulting/strategy, this is worth way more," tech programmer Arnav Gupta commented, as stated in the Reuters report.

The role has attracted widespread attention, with Goyal's post accumulating over five million views.

Zomato, a leading food delivery company in India, has seen its valuation soar to over $28 billion this year, driven by the rapid growth of its quick-commerce business, as per Reuters. However, this unusual job offer has ignited broader discussions about privilege, opportunity, and innovative hiring practices.

Zomato has yet to comment on the public reaction to the post.