It is my pleasure to write a few lines for Mr Achyut Menon, CEO of Options India.
I got to know Achyut when he had approached me for an assignment he was handling - hiring a CEO for the Indian operations of an MNC giant. What appealed to me about this guy was that he knew exactly what he was looking for, he had somehow compiled a detailed dossier on me and when he called for the first time I realised he knew a lot about me already. Speaks of the preparation this guy does.
We met afterwards, he discussed my career moves and was very blunt at times to ask a few awkward questions but I realised he wanted himself to be convinced first before pushing my file forward. Once that was done he explained the job requirements to me elaborately and actually motivated me to take a shot at the opportunity. He takes his work seriously and would not move until he is satisfied that he has chosen a correct option.
Achyut subsequently set up the final interview but before that he did a good amount of hand holding, explaining to me the likely questions/objections the employer may have and possible ways of handling them. He was clear that I have to be straightforward and honest in my answers.
Situation in the industry changed subsequently and the company decided not to start with the position but by then Achyut had created a solid impact about himself and we had become friends. We are still in touch and keep exchanging notes. All I can say is the client is in safe hands with Achyut - if it is an employer he will find one of the most suitable candidates for the job, and if it is a job seeker he will help finding an assignment which matches the attributes and capabilities of the candidate most accurately.I am all in for paying him a fee for a candid analysis of my career, and directions where I should go in the future because I know he will be honest and whatever I spend will be more than its worth, such is my confidence on him. Follow on LinkedinYear First Hired: 2006
Top Qualities: Expert, On Time, High Integrity.
The term vision would come right on top, if i were to pick Achyut's top most quality as an entrepreneur. He has foreseen an niche long before anyone else and has steadfastly emerged as a leader since. Our association is more than ten years and i have nothing but good reports about his deep personal connections, and ability to be a counsellor and friend. I would take his advice very seriously.
Follow on LinkedinI have known Achyut for over 16 years now. He is a good friend now more than a recruiter. He is a trusted advisor who focuses on ensuring that the employer and the job seeker are atleast a close to perfect match. It takes more than a glance at a resume and a telephone conversation, it takes years of relationship building with prospective job seekers and employers. This hard background work makes working with him a very good experience."
Follow on LinkedinYear First Hired: 2005
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity.
If you are an expat Indian or someone outside India looking at opportunities in India, Achyut is the person to go to. Achyut is an active networker, recruiter and a great source of information about what's hot or not in corporate India. I would definitely use Achyut's services, if I ever decide to look for opportunities in India.
Year first hired: 1993 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Achyut Menon spent time with me in order to understand my specific requirements, gave a very sound advice at the time of need and even now shares ideas and is always open for thoughts and discussions. A valuable contact in the recruitment community."
Year first hired: 2004 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
Anyone considering taking up a job in India, should consult with someone like Achyut. He sets the right expectations, provides candid picture of "cultural" elements to deal with, which makes the transition easier. He is articulate and clear in communications, which makes working with him very easy."
Very rarely do you come across a Recruiter who is as knowledgeable as Menon. He is extremely easy to talk to. I have experienced him as someone who understands your needs, requirements, challanges and works with you to address them. I very strongly recommend him as a career search partner in case one is looking out.
Achyut is an extremely mature person who has knowledge of the heart and soul of India. Unlike other professionals whose main interest is to make a deal by hook-and-crook and scoot, Achyut is someone who is with you in the long-term. He is more of a friend, a colleague and believes in much more fundamental principles than just striking a deal. He is an invaluable contact to have not just for business but also to get feedback and bounce off ideas
Achyut is a person who is very well networked, and a responsible individual. For a person belonging to placement industry, he is extremely frank and efficient. He is aware of the industry(ies) in India and also deals with MNCs in and out of India. He handles senior management positions and hence, is reliable when you have a question in mind and also you are in a dilemma. I would unconditionally refer him to anyone who thinks he or she needs help. Knowing him has been a pleasure.
AK Menon is one of the rare people who always is innovative and open to learning. He is a person who loves to try out new things - the fact that he was open to experimenting with blogging to build his firm's branding and was willing to share his insights about recruiting and the job market - and share advice with people - shows that he is passionate about implementing new systems and processes.
At a personal level he's an absolute pleasure to deal with and extremely affable!
Year First Hired: October 27, 2009
Top qualities: Personable , Expert , Creative Hired Achyut as a Recruiter in 2006, and hired Achyut more than once.
Achyut is a highly reliable business partner. In the field of personnel recruitment, one very rarely comes across a partner---mostly you are dealing with a 'recruiter'. High on integrity and out-of-the-box approach, Achyut is one of a rare breed. Keep it going.
Year First Hired: October 24, 2009
Top qualities: Personable , Expert , Creative hired Achyut as a Recruiter in 2007.
Achyut is a pioneer in his field and is passionate about what he does. He is always on search for innovative and creative minds beyond geographical borders. I came across him in many conferences and events and amazed at his thirst for learning new things and knowing new people. I've used his services and known him for 3.5 years now and highly recommend him.
Year First Hired: September 21, 2006
Top qualities:Personable , Expert , High Integrity Hired Achyut as a Recruiter in 2006.
Achyut is supporting our business development in India. I do respect him as a professional in managing the (complex) recruitment processes for senior positions and also acts as a professional consultant for HR related issues in India.
AK was a great partner and did a great job in helping Logitech setup our software development operation in India. He understands the dynamics of the market and he is well connected with high caliber talented engineers. In a very short period he understood our requirements and has delivered on his promise and exceeded my expectations.
Achyut Menon is a lodestar in his foresighted approach towards the Indian IT and High-Tech industry needs of attracting experienced professionals from overseas. Achyut had successfully undertook many initiatives and channelised many a professional to return to India.
Achyut is a person who is very well networked, and a responsible individual. For a person belonging to placement industry, he is extremely frank and efficient. He is aware of the industry(ies) in India and also deals with MNCs in and out of India. He handles senior management positions and hence, is reliable when you have a question in mind and also you are in a dilemma. I would unconditionally refer him to anyone who thinks he or she needs help. Knwling him has been a pleasure.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Achyut for a number of years and have found him to be a truly professional, trustworthy and world-class executive recruiter and career/outplacement coach. We have worked together on various talent/HR projects and have spoken together at recruitment industry events. I have no hesitation in recommending Achyut to anyone seeking his professional services as either as career coach, executive recruiter or some related Talent Management needs. Achyut has years of and a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts and he truly thinks out of the box in a global way. Do email me on nigel@stghk.com if you would like further details.
September 21, 2009,was with another company when working with Achyut at Options Executive Search Pvt. Ltd.
Achyut has worked with Nisha Global and our clients on some difficult searches in India. He has been a professional and communicative partner and has always targeted the best candidates for our clients. We will continue to refer OptionsIndia to companies that need help recruiting in India.
Dr. Tamara Genosar, Managing Director, Nisha Global
I met AK during my tenure at Microsoft. He was kind enough to share his insight and network while I was training Recruiters in Hyderabad, India. I found AK to be both personable and professional. His knowledge of Recruiting and passion to share what he knows was quite endearing and extremely helpful to me. I have since had the opportunity to collaborate with AK and would recommend his services without hesitation.
I've known Achyut for the better part of three years and in that time he has proven to be a great trading partner, very much a thought leader in our industry and an articulate member of the Executive Search Community. Achyut has worked tirelessly in our NPA Worldwide Search Network to expand our International capabilities globally. I would recommend Achyut to anyone seeking an Executive Recruiter, Talent Acquisition Specialist or Contract Provider of Talent to partner with in career search or talent acquisition. Gary Eastwood, Beck/Eastwood Recruitment Solutions
AK is a consummate professional who promptly responds to all requests and provides reliable and factual information to ones queries. When working with AK one is confident of the quality of work and the high probability of a positive result.
Achyut Menon spent time with me in order to understand my specific requirements, gave a very sound advice at the time..
The term vision would come right on top, if i were to pick Achyut's top most quality as an entrepreneur. He has foreseen an niche...
Achyut is a person who is very well networked, and a responsible individual. For a person belonging to placement industry...
Achyut is supporting our business development in India. I do respect him as a professional in managing the (complex)...
It is my pleasure and privilege to recommend Achyut Menon. I have known him as an Industry colleague for some time...