Employees seeking alignment with company values. Companies seeking ways to combat the rising risks of fraud as they look to hire the Right People. A farewell fly-by of inspiring lines from one of our favorite performers. All this and more await in this latest edition of ECLARO’s Five on Friday.
Fraud Is a Focus in Finding Talent
Fraudulent hires take their toll in money, time and trust, making advanced verification, trained recruiting and HR, and continuous monitoring essential to secure genuine talent in a today’s landscape. SIA’s Workforce Solutions Buyer Survey 2025 notes that “41% of respondents reported their organization is experiencing challenges with candidate validation and fraud.”
“Partnering with an established, trusted talent-solutions firm can help mitigate these risks by leveraging expertise and proven processes of an organization whose people search for the Right People all day, every day,” says ECLARO Co-Founder Tom Sheridan. “Whether it’s sophisticated vetting systems and pre-vetted talent portfolios, or the industry experience that helps a recruiter spot red flags that in-house teams might miss, a trusted partner can keep the hiring process moving without sacrificing diligence, so businesses can minimize those costly bad hires and spend time working with skilled, trustworthy candidates.”
Top Talent Is Still Tough to Find:
The latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the unemployment rate is at 4.2%, but that slight uptick from 4.1% a month ago is not going to make hiring top talent any less of a challenge.
“I say this often, but it always warrants repeating,” says ECLARO Co-Founder Paul Sheridan. “The unemployment rate may have risen slightly, but it remains historically low. And that is especially the case among college-educated people—in that group, unemployment is typically about half the overall number. Finding the Right People in any labor market is never a simple task, particularly when you’re looking for the very best.”
How Do You Hire Somebody with That “X” Factor?
On April Fools’ Day we celebrated George Plimpton’s classic hoax “The Curious Case of Sidd Finch” with a discussion of how baseball’s all-time prospect-who-never-was actually delivered plenty of lessons that any business can apply when building their own teams. We also promised to revisit another of Plimpton’s creations, but this one is a nonfiction treasure that is both a quick read and an enduring exploration of what sets certain people apart, what makes them extraordinary—valuable stuff for anyone aiming to hire standout talent for their business
Sparked by a lopsided horseshoe game against President George H.W. Bush, Plimpton decided to interview top athletes, executives and coaches to pinpoint that indefinable quality—beyond mere ability—that drives success. Through lively stories, like a basketball star’s mental edge or Bush’s fierce determination, Plimpton reveals that the “X Factor” seems to be a mix of grit, focus and an unyielding will to win—and that ability, of course. The humorous, down-to-earth style keeps the book moving at a fast pace, and the ultimate insight hits home for those seeking employees with that “special something”: Raw talent alone isn’t enough—it’s the intangible spark that transforms potential into performance.
Company Culture Matters
We’re often asked about the needs of Gen Z job candidates, and one of the factors that continually comes up is a desire that their values and the values of the company that hires are in synch. According to a survey by the United Way of the National Capital Area, 55% of Gen Zers say “it’s important for them to work for a company that aligns with their social/political beliefs.”
Taking that to the next level, the survey shows that 53% of Gen Z (as well as 45% of Gen X, 42% of millennials and 34% of Baby Boomers) said they would reject a job from an employer whose social/political beliefs did not align with theirs.
“Companies can certainly set themselves apart and help inform potential candidates by showcasing their corporate culture—job seekers are looking for that more than ever, and not just in Gen Z, we’re finding. Studies show that 95% of job seekers research the company they’re considering working with even before they apply,” says ECLARO Co-Founder Tom Sheridan. “We are big believers in doing your due diligence as a job seeker, and we suggest that everyone do their research when considering an employer, and work with an experienced recruiter who can help you gain further insights.”
You Can Be Our Wingman Anytime
Let’s raise a toast to Val Kilmer. From Top Secret through Top Gun: Maverick, the actor’s 40-year career was filled with characters who were all about confidence, leadership, teamwork, dedication, initiative, purpose. The Top Gun films have had particular resonance here at ECLARO, but they’re far from the only Kilmer movies to provide us with entertainment and inspiration both outside and within the office. With that, we salute the late, great actor with five of our favorite quotes from his canon of characters…
“I’m your huckleberry.”—Doc Holliday, Tombstone
Talk about seizing the moment with self-assurance. In business, that’s the mindset of a leader or team ready to tackle a competitor, pitch a bold idea or take on a high-stakes project—showing you’re the one to get it done.
“You never get anywhere in life without taking risks, you know.”—Chris Knight, Real Genius
Unconventional approaches to problem-solving can lead to surprisingly positive results. This call to embrace calculated risks, to thrive by stepping out of comfort zones—whether launching a new product, entering a market or innovating processes, playing it safe rarely leads to breakthroughs.
“You see, I’m both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Not because I have to be. Now, because I choose to be.”—Bruce Wayne/Batman, Batman Forever
Intentional leadership is all about choosing to lead with purpose—aligning your role with a vision you believe in and taking a focused, deliberate approach in all you do. Intentional leaders don’t do it because it’s expected, they do it because it’s who they are—this motivates teams and has wide-ranging impact, both intentional and otherwise.
“The only way to get the crowd to stop yelling is to take the stage.”—Jim Morrison, The Doors
Leaders aren’t afraid to take charge in chaotic or competitive situations, no matter how loud the noise is around them. It’s about stepping up—whether to lead a team through uncertainty, address a crisis or launch a new initiative—rather than waiting for others to act.
“You can be my wingman anytime.”—Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, Top Gun
Seven simple words underscore the value of dependable partnerships and building trust with colleagues—knowing you can count on one another in any dogfight. That’s when you know you have the Right People on your side.