Deepinder Goyal: the CEO of Zomato, is facing a wave of criticism after announcing a unique job posting for a Chief of Staff position. The unusual catch? The candidate would receive no salary for the first year and would instead be asked to pay a fee of ₹20 lakh for the opportunity to work with him.
The Controversial Job Posting
Goyal shared the job posting on his X account (formerly Twitter) on November 18, 2024. The post outlined the role, responsibilities, and eligibility criteria for the position. However, it was the salary and fee details that caught everyone’s attention.
Goyal explained that the ₹20 lakh fee would be donated to Feeding India, Zomato’s non-profit arm. He also mentioned that the candidate would receive a salary of over ₹50 lakh per annum from the second year onwards.
The Backlash
The job posting immediately sparked a firestorm of criticism on social media. Many users slammed the offer as “exploitative” and “elitist.” Some pointed out that the fee was equivalent to a year’s salary for many people, and that it was unfair to expect candidates to pay for the opportunity to work at Zomato.
Others questioned the ethics of asking candidates to pay for a job, even if the money was going to charity. They argued that it created a barrier to entry for many qualified candidates who might not be able to afford the fee.
Goyal’s Response
Goyal has defended the job posting, arguing that it was a way to attract the best talent and ensure that the candidate was truly committed to the role. He also emphasized that the fee was optional and that candidates could still apply for the position without paying it.
However, his response has done little to quell the criticism. Many people continue to argue that the fee is unfair and discriminatory.
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The Debate Continues
The debate over Goyal’s job posting has raised several important questions about the future of work and the role of technology companies in society. It has also highlighted the growing divide between the wealthy and the poor in India.
Some experts have argued that Goyal’s approach is a reflection of the increasing pressure on tech companies to innovate and grow. They believe that the fee is a way to ensure that only the most dedicated and talented candidates are selected for the role.
However, others have criticized this view, arguing that it is unfair to expect ordinary people to pay for the privilege of working at a tech company. They believe that companies should be doing more to create opportunities for people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Deepinder Goyal’s job posting is a reminder of the complex and ever-changing nature of the job market. As technology continues to reshape the way we work, it is important to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
It remains to be seen whether Goyal’s approach will be adopted by other companies. However, one thing is certain: the debate over his job posting is likely to continue for some time to come.
