BTS Behind the Scenes is a chance to showcase the people who are making things happen at BTS and give you a “behind the scenes” look into their worlds. In this month’s feature we’ll talk with Sr. Technical Recruiter Sam Jha and talk Beatles merch, the IC talent space, hot jobs, and more.

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We heard you have a legendary collection of Beatles merch- tell us about it!

Not a legendary collection, but a collection that I started in my late teens. It includes cassettes, albums, magazines, coins, posters, etc. One interesting story is that about 15 years ago I purchased two Beatles t-shirts from Apple Records for about $20 each. Last summer I came across the t-shirts again and offered them up to my daughters. The shirts had never been worn and still had tags on them – which got me thinking about what they would be worth today. I did a quick google search and saw that they are now worth about $300 each!  Glad I investigated this before they were washed and worn.

Ok, here’s a question: What Beatles song best describes life as a recruiter?

Perhaps “Oh Darling” – the song is about the trust between a couple, but it could also in some ways depict the trust between a recruiter and a candidate.  It’s a reach – but if one knows the words, I think they can see the connection.

You’ve been in the recruiting field for 26 years, wow! Tell us what’s changed and what hasn’t over the years.

One thing that hasn’t changed is that recruiting is still a people business. A company can have great benefits, work, team, etc. – but if the interactions between the recruiter and candidate isn’t real – the rest of it means nothing – most of the time. The biggest change I’m starting to see is around how the industry is trying to create ways to work remotely with some opportunities available.

Who is someone you admire or look up to, either professionally or personally?

My parents – they came to the country in 1970 and really accomplished many things. They have, and continue to be, role models in many ways. For the first five years in the country, we were constantly moving. I would start school in one place and finish the year somewhere in another state.  My parents made these moves for the better of the family and never lost their focus in accomplishing the next goal. This taught to me to continually strive to move forward – no matter what barriers might be in the way.

What’s it like being part of the BTS recruiting team?

The team is great and I’m very excited about what we will be accomplishing together. It’s an exciting time to be a part of BTS and I feel very fortunate to be given this opportunity.

Let’s talk turkey: What positions are you hot to fill right now and who are you looking for?

With real estate it’s location, location, location. With recruiting in the MPO – its Fully Cleared SWEs, Fully Cleared SWEs, Fully Cleared SWEs. 😊

Lightning round!

• Favorite Netflix series: No favorite – just finished Inventing Anna. Others include: The Crown & Virgin River.
• Favorite place you’ve lived: I’ve been in Maryland for a while now – pretty happy to be here.
• Undergraduate degree is in: Hearing and Speech Sciences and Speech and Mass Communications.
• Movie star you’ve met in person: Jimmy Stewart and got his autograph – favorite actor.
• Favorite place to eat out: So many choices – let’s go with Ananda.

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Tags: Beatles, features, Sam Jha