A hiring post by a Bengaluru-based startup founder has triggered a lively debate on social media after listing a series of unconventional requirements for a senior role, including a salary benchmark tied to the applicant’s age.

Ruchir Jajoo, founder and CEO of Social Capital, shared the job announcement on the social platform X, stating that his company is looking to hire a Head of Growth for its Bengaluru office with an annual salary of ₹50 lakh.

However, the unusual criteria mentioned in the post quickly caught the internet’s attention and sparked widespread discussion.

Unusual hiring criteria raise eyebrows

In the post, Jajoo described the ideal candidate as someone who is “extremely articulate,” “cerebral,” and possessing a “top 1% viral sense.” The role also included several lifestyle and personality expectations that many users found unconventional.

Some of the requirements mentioned in the post included:

  • A strong interest in Tech Twitter
  • Believing that LinkedIn is “cringe”
  • Regularly going to the gym
  • Being a “healthy workaholic”

The post also stated that the company was not looking for candidates who prioritise work–life balance. “Not a ‘balance’ person. We’re not a yoga retreat,” the description said.

Age-linked salary benchmark sparks criticism

One particular line in the hiring post drew sharp reactions from social media users. It stated:
“If you’re 27+ and make <2L/month, probably don’t apply.”

Many users questioned whether linking salary expectations to age was unfair or discriminatory. Critics argued that strong candidates might be excluded despite having the necessary skills or experience.

Others also pointed out that describing the ideal candidate as a “healthy workaholic” while rejecting work–life balance appeared contradictory.

Social media divided on the issue

Reactions online were mixed. Some users criticised the criteria, asking why people above the age of 27 earning less than ₹2 lakh per month should be discouraged from applying.

However, others defended the founder’s approach, suggesting the criteria could simply be a way to filter applications and identify high-performing professionals early in their careers.

Role focuses on high-growth startups

According to the post, the Head of Growth role would involve working closely with founders of fast-growing startups and managing major product launches.

The selected candidate would help design and execute launch strategies—sometimes involving multi-million-dollar budgets—while advising startup founders on scaling their products. The role may also involve working with rapidly growing companies in Silicon Valley.

The discussion around the hiring post highlights a growing conversation in the startup ecosystem about work culture, hiring expectations, and the balance between ambition and fairness in recruitment practices.