It started with curiosity and ended as an unforgettable experience. Sanjay Krishna, a product manager from Kerala, applied for the Chief of Staff role at Zomato—an unconventional job that had sparked intense discussions online. Despite not securing the position, Krishna walked away with valuable insights into leadership, strategy, and corporate challenges that reshaped his career perspective.
A Chance Application, A Memorable Experience
Krishna, who works at Entri App, admitted that he applied for the Chief of Staff position at Zomato purely out of curiosity. The role had drawn immense attention due to its unusual terms. While he didn’t make it to the final selection, Krishna described the interview process as one of the most enriching encounters of his professional life.
He shared his experience after Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal announced that the company had received a staggering 18,000 applications for the coveted position. Out of these, around 150 candidates were shortlisted for interviews.
Zomato’s Intense Hiring Process
The competition was fierce. Among the 150 who made it to the interview round, only 30 stood out as “exceptional,” according to Goyal. These candidates were offered key roles within Zomato and its associated companies.
- 18 candidates have already started working at Zomato and Blinkit.
- Two of them were selected for the Chief of Staff role, a position that involves working closely with top executives.
- The remaining individuals were placed in critical leadership positions across different departments.
The hiring process, according to Krishna, was not just about finding the right fit for Zomato—it was a test of problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The feedback he received during the process significantly improved his understanding of leadership and business operations.
Controversy Over the Hiring Terms
The Chief of Staff position became a hot topic on social media last year. The backlash stemmed from the job’s unconventional requirement—applicants were initially expected to work without a salary for the first year and contribute Rs 20 lakh towards Feeding India, Zomato’s philanthropic initiative.
Zomato, in return, promised to donate Rs 50 lakh—equivalent to the Chief of Staff’s salary—to a charity of the selected candidate’s choice. Critics called the process exclusionary, arguing that it placed financial barriers on potential candidates.
However, Goyal later clarified that this fee was never mandatory but rather a mechanism to filter out non-serious applicants. The clarification didn’t entirely eliminate the skepticism, but it didn’t stop thousands of professionals from applying either.
What Makes This Role So Special?
The Chief of Staff position at Zomato is more than just a title—it’s an opportunity to work at the heart of a rapidly expanding company, shaping decisions and influencing high-level strategies. According to Goyal, the role provides:
- First-hand exposure to the challenges of scaling a business.
- The ability to work directly with top executives and key decision-makers.
- A fast-paced, high-growth environment that pushes candidates to develop leadership and strategic skills at an accelerated rate.
For Krishna, even though he didn’t land the job, the process itself was a masterclass in business strategy. “The experience and conversations during the interview helped me immensely in the past few months,” he said.
A Bold Move or an Unfair Barrier?
The hiring approach for Zomato’s Chief of Staff role has remained divisive. While some praise it for filtering out non-serious applicants and ensuring only the most dedicated candidates make the cut, others argue it favors individuals with financial privilege.
Regardless of the debate, one thing is certain—the role continues to attract attention, and for candidates like Krishna, the experience alone was worth the application.
