A hiring post by Ruchir Jajoo, founder and CEO of Social Capital, has triggered widespread discussion on social media after it listed unconventional requirements for a senior role at the company’s Bengaluru office.
The position, titled Head of Growth, offers a salary of ₹50 lakh per annum but includes several unusual criteria that have divided opinion online.
Unusual Job Requirements Go Viral
Jajoo shared the hiring announcement on X, outlining the qualities the company was looking for in a candidate.
According to the post, applicants should be:
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“Extremely articulate”
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“Cerebral”
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Possessing a “top 1% viral sense”
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Passionate about “Tech Twitter”
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Someone who believes LinkedIn is “cringe”
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Regular at the gym
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A “healthy workaholic”
The post also made it clear that the role may not suit those prioritizing traditional work-life balance.
“Not a ‘balance’ person. We’re not a yoga retreat,” the description stated.
Age and Salary Criteria Draw Criticism
One line in the hiring post quickly became the centre of controversy.
The description stated: “If you’re 27+ and make less than ₹2 lakh per month, probably don’t apply.”
Several social media users questioned the logic behind linking eligibility to both age and salary level, arguing that it could exclude capable candidates.
One user asked:
“So if I’m above 27 and make less but have the qualifications, I can’t apply?”
Another criticised what they saw as age bias, asking why individuals above 27 earning lower salaries should be discouraged from applying.
Role Involves High-Stakes Startup Work
According to the job description, the selected candidate would work closely with founders of rapidly growing startups, including companies in Silicon Valley.
The role would involve:
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Advising founders directly
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Managing large-scale product launches
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Handling marketing budgets worth millions of dollars
The company described the role as a “forward deployed” position that would support high-growth startups during major product announcements and expansion phases.
Mixed Reactions From Social Media Users
While some criticised the tone of the job listing, others defended it, saying the criteria were designed to filter for high-performing candidates early in their careers.
One commenter suggested the salary condition could help identify individuals who have achieved rapid professional growth.
Another user said critics may have misunderstood the intention behind the post, noting that it aimed to narrow down the candidate pool rather than exclude qualified professionals.
Broader Debate on Startup Work Culture
The viral hiring post has also reignited discussions about work culture in the startup ecosystem, particularly around expectations of long working hours and intense performance standards.
While some professionals argue that demanding environments are common in high-growth startups, others believe that emphasizing work-life balance remains essential for sustainable careers.
