Shaadi.com founder and CEO Anupam Mittal recently took a humorous job at Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal over his controversial Chief of Staff job posting. Goyal had advertised the position with unconventional terms: no salary for the first year and a mandatory donation of Rs 20 lakh to Feeding India, Zomato’s non-profit initiative. The announcement sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing Goyal of exploiting candidates by tying the position to a hefty charitable donation.
Anupam Mittal joined the discussion with a tongue-in-cheek LinkedIn post, inviting applicants who couldn’t afford Goyal’s Rs 20 lakh stipulation to apply for a new role under him titled “Chief of What?” He added a playful twist, stating, “I am looking for a Chief of Staff too, although I don’t know exactly what one does. I figure it can be your first assignment.”
In his post, Anupam Mittal outlined five humorous “requirements” for the role. Applicants must accept compensation, submit a resume, go through HR processes, and carry the title “Chief of What?” for six months. Adding to the humor, he wrote, “If you are willing to take the path less taken, be sneered at by the crowd in the hope that we will stick it to them someday, AND figure out if you really are Chief of something while I take credit for all your work, then write to ChiefOfWhat@peopleinteractive.in and hope I don’t change my mind.”
Anupam Mittal’s post, which garnered over 11,000 reactions, sparked lively discussions in the comments section. One user described the Chief of Staff role as “a fancy title” for someone who acts as a CEO’s go-to person, ensuring smooth operations while the boss is unavailable. Another applauded Anupam Mittal’s creativity, calling it “an amazing way to grab attention.”
When a user suggested the post might sting Goyal, Anupam Mittal responded, “He’s a big boy with a great sense of humor… can handle it.” Others praised Anupam Mittal’s ability to pitch his alternative humorously without undermining his friendship with Goyal.
The controversy surrounding Goyal’s job posting continues to highlight evolving attitudes toward unconventional hiring practices. Meanwhile, Anupam Mittal’s witty response not only added levity to the debate but also showcased his knack for engaging his audience in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking manner.
