A recruitment post shared by a Bengaluru-based startup founder has drawn widespread attention on social media after outlining a set of unconventional expectations for applicants, including a remark linking age with income levels.
The post was shared on X by Ruchir Jajoo, who stated his firm Social Capital was hiring a Head of Growth for its Bengaluru office with an annual salary of ₹50 lakh.
We’re Recruiting: Head of Growth
50 LPA – BangaloreNeeded:
– Extremely Articulate
– Cerebral, High IQ
– Love for Tech Twitter
– Thinks LinkedIn is cringe
– Not a ‘balance’ person. We’re not a yoga retreat.
– If you’re 27+ and create <2L/month, probably don’t apply
– Goes to the… pic.twitter.com/MWwaBFBDLX— Ruchir Jajoo (@ruchirjajoo) March 9, 2026
While the compensation package attracted interest, much of the online discussion centred on the unusual language applyd in the candidate description.
The controversial line in the post
Among several conditions listed in the advertisement, one statement in particular became the focus of debate.
The post read: “If you’re 27+ and create <2L/month, probably don’t apply.”
Several applyrs questioned whether the statement excluded potentially qualified candidates based on their age and income levels.
One applyr responded by questioning whether candidates above 27 earning less than the specified amount would automatically be considered unsuitable despite having relevant qualifications. Another questioned why age was being referenced in the screening criteria.
Unconventional expectations for applicants
Beyond the income benchmark, the advertisement listed a range of personality traits and preferences that the company expects from candidates.
According to the description, the company is viewing for someone who is “extremely articulate,” “cerebral,” and has a “top 1% viral sense.”
The post also suggested that the ideal candidate should actively engage with “Tech Twitter,” consider LinkedIn “cringe,” maintain a regular gym routine and describe themselves as a “healthy workaholic.”
It also created clear that the company was not viewing for candidates who prioritise work–life balance, stating that the organisation is “not a yoga retreat.”
Role responsibilities
Jajoo stated the selected candidate would work closely with founders of rapidly growing technology startups and support manage high-impact product launches.
According to the post, the position would involve advising startup founders and coordinating launches designed to generate large-scale online attention.
The role also includes managing teams, overseeing marketing budobtains that can exceed $1 million, and handling multiple product launches simultaneously.
The advertisement described the job as “extremely demanding,” adding that the success of startup launches could depfinish on the work carried out by the person in the role.
Jajoo explained that his firm focapplys on designing product launches that generate significant traction on social media and within the technology ecosystem.
According to him, the company has developed a structured approach to launches, which he described as a “launch playbook.” The method was first applyd by a company called Icon and later gained wider recognition through launches associated with Cluely.
The firm has since worked on launch campaigns for companies including Deel, Gamma, and Airwallex, among others.
The services offered by the company include developing launch narratives, producing marketing videos, creating visual assets, designing social media strategies and advising founders on elements such as messaging, landing pages and pricing.
Mixed reactions online
The recruitment post quickly attracted a wide range of reactions.
Some applyrs criticised what they perceived as contradictory expectations in the listing. One comment pointed out that the advertisement discouraged work–life balance while simultaneously expecting candidates to maintain regular fitness routines.
Others noted an apparent inconsistency in questioning applicants to submit a LinkedIn profile while also describing the platform as “cringe.”
However, not all responses were critical. Some applyrs deffinished the founder’s approach, suggesting that the controversial line about income and age was intfinished as a filtering mechanism to reduce the number of applicants.
One commenter argued that candidates earning more than ₹2 lakh per month by their late twenties may already possess the level of experience and performance record required for such a demanding role.
Despite the differing views, the post has continued to circulate widely online, highlighting how unconventional hiring language can quickly trigger debate in the startup ecosystem.
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