Zomato's ‘Chief of Staff’ hiring process draws 18,000 applications, CEO shares insights
New Delhi: Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal shared an update on the company’s Chief of Staff hiring process, revealing that it received over 18,000 applications. Among those who applied, more than 150 candidates were interviewed, with 30 individuals already securing offers and 18 joining Zomato and its group companies, including Blinkit, in key roles.
One applicant, Sanjay Krishna, a product manager at Entri App, took to social media to recount his experience. Although he did not make the final selection, he described the interview process as enriching and the feedback as extremely valuable. "Sent out the mail purely out of curiosity and ended up having one of the best interview experiences. Didn't make the final cut, but the conversation and feedback have helped me tremendously over the past few months. Grateful for the opportunity," he wrote on X.
The hiring process initially attracted attention last November when Goyal posted about the Chief of Staff role, mentioning an Rs 20 lakh application fee. He later clarified that no payment was required and that selected candidates would be "paid handsomely" for their roles.
Goyal highlighted the diverse talent hired through the process, including startup founders, engineers, and operators with significant industry impact. He noted that four of the selected candidates now work directly with him, with two holding Chief of Staff roles.
Sent out the mail purely out of curiosity and ended up having one of the best interview experiences. Didn’t make the final cut, but the conversation and feedback have helped me tremendously over the past few months. Grateful for the opportunity! https://t.co/edxsxCXTM7
— Sanjay Krishna (@SjayKH) February 5, 2025
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
