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Diminution in Soft-Skills
"Based on this research, I can report that, overwhelmingly, the data points to a steady diminution in the soft skills of young people in the workplace, beginning with Gen X and continuing into Gen Z. Today’s young workers are increasingly likely to have significant weaknesses in at least one (but usually several) key soft skills.”
Bruce Tulgan - TrainingIndustry.com 2024
The Ideal Candidate is dedicated to helping you overcome any challenges related to soft skills, ensuring you're fully prepared to succeed in the workplace.
OUR CLIENTS
We believe every client is a valuable long-term partner.
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Who We Serve
At The Ideal Candidate, we partner with a variety of organizations to develop soft skills that make a difference. Whether you're a small business looking to improve your customer service or a university preparing students for the workforce, we have a solution for you.
Companies
Improve team collaboration, customer service, and leadership.
Universities
Equip students with the skills they need for success in the workplace.
Non-Profits
Empower your team to make a bigger impact through licensing training.
Infrastructure to Access
Soft Skills Conveniently
We know that every organization is different, so we offer flexible solutions to meet your goals:
Direct Training
Bring our team in to deliver gamified soft skills training to your employees, students, or members.
License Our Curriculum
License our customizable curriculum and offer year-round training within your organization with a train the trainer workshop.
Happy Customers
What they’re saying
"The gamified training kept our students engaged in a way traditional soft skills training couldn’t. They left with confidence in their abilities to lead and collaborate." Rotary Club of Chicago 2023 President - Aleta Williams
"This is a training I wish I had before I entered the workforce. This program is great for interns and entry level staff."
– 5/3rd Bank Officer - Veronica Howard
"The Ideal Candidate is being acknowledged with the 2023 Microsoft Tech Maker Award because of it's dedication to community impact in workforce development."
– Microsoft - Tech Maker Award Ceremony
How Our Gamified Soft Skills Training Works
Our programs combine the power of experiential learning with the fun of gamification, creating an engaging and effective training experience. Here’s how it works:
Interactive Challenges
Participants work through real-world scenarios that develop skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Instant Feedback
Immediate reinforcement and feedback on tasks help learners improve in real time.
Rewards & Motivation
Earn points, badges, and rankings through leaderboards, creating friendly competition that drives performance.
Customizable
We tailor the experience to meet your organization’s unique needs, ensuring your team gets the most out of their training.
Video Testimonials
What Are
Soft-Skills?
Soft skills are interpersonal and personal attributes, such as communication, leadership, and adaptability, that enable individuals to navigate workplace dynamics effectively. They are essential because they complement technical expertise, fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and professional growth, which are critical for long-term success.
Founder Kevin, diagnosed with ADD and Dyslexia, found his foundation in soft skills early on through his mother’s performing arts school, Fieldcrest. She not only taught these essential skills but also involved Kevin in teaching them at just 12 years old. By 15, with her guidance, Kevin was independently leading workshops, building a passion for empowering others.
The Foundation
Despite completing his education and training, Kevin realized he wasn’t fully prepared for the workforce or equipped to become a self-sufficient leader. He faced numerous challenges, including missteps during interviews and early career transitions. Determined to address these gaps, Kevin founded The Ideal Candidate in 2015 to make a meaningful impact in his local Chicagoland community.
Chicago Impact
Boring training doesn't work on an ADD & Dyslexic mind. Kevin focuses on gamification because it promotes engagement and retention for all learning styles. Kevin is a 2x Dyslexic Author, Savage Soft Skills & The Ideal Candidate. Since then, The Ideal Candidate has expanded to 15 states, graduating over 4,700 students, each securing and maintaining a $45,000 annual salary—creating an impressive $214 million in economic impact.
Gamification Training
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Founder Story
Be The
Ideal Candidate
Workforce Readiness
Equip candidates with the critical soft skills and adaptive mindset needed to excel in professional settings, reducing onboarding time and training costs for employers.
Workforce Productivity
Deliver employees who are not only prepared but also culturally aligned with organizational values, leading to higher retention rates and improved team productivity.
Workforce Retention
The Ideal Candidate’s gamified training approach develops job-ready professionals with the soft skills and resilience needed to thrive long-term, reducing turnover and strengthening your workforce.
The Gold Standard
The Ideal Candidate, a 12-time award winner, sets the gold standard for soft skills training. Here’s why we lead the way:
Trusted
Trusted by industry leaders and top-tier universities.
Proven
Proven to enhance employee productivity, employability, and retention rates.
Pioneers
Pioneers in gamified training tailored to modern workforce needs.
Fast
97% improvement in soft skills mastery within 14 Hours.
Imagine a workforce that: Collaborates seamlessly,
Solves problems creatively,
& Drives innovation with confidence.
Our Awards
2024 Stellar
Champion Award
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
2023 Influential Business of the Year
NorthWest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2023 Microsoft
Tech Maker Award
Microsoft
& World Business Chicago
2020 Community Impact Award
Chicago Community Trust
Young Leaders Fund