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Are Soft Skills easy to learn? How can we improve our Soft Skills?

The short answer? Yes, soft skills can be learned and they’re worth every effort. Unlike technical skills, they grow through practice, self-awareness, and real workplace experience. The key is knowing where to start and how to develop them.

Soft skills open doors to success. Yet, many newcomers overlook their power, focusing only on technical skills. But in Canada’s collaborative and multicultural environment, how you work with others can be just as important as what you know.

For newcomers aiming high, whether it’s your first job, growing your career, or expanding your network soft skills help you stand out and build a rewarding future in Canada

How Soft Skills Shine Together

Imagine you’re in your first months at a Canadian engineering firm. The project changes scope last minute (again!), but you adapt, because change is part of the job now!

In the team meeting, you confidently share ideas and ask questions when jargon confuses you. You plan your day carefully and stay on track. When a technical glitch pops up, you find a workaround and ask for help if needed.

You notice a colleague is overwhelmed, so you offer to help, using your natural social energy to build trust and strengthen the team. If you make a mistake, you own it and show accountability. In the evening, you sign up for a course to keep growing.

This is how soft skills turn you into the person every employer wants on their team. Let’s see how you can develop each one!

These are the Essential Soft Skills for Canadian Workplaces: These seven soft skills aren't just concepts; they're tools you can start using today. The beauty of soft skills is that every workplace interaction becomes a chance to practice and improve.

1. Adaptability: Your secret weapon

Adaptability was the first soft skill I learned when I moved from sunny Spain to Canada's cold winters and rainy springs. In practice: This might mean starting from a lower role, learning new tools and processes, or adjusting to different meeting styles. Staying curious and open to new challenges is the key.

Real example? When my first Canadian employer switched project management software mid-project, I volunteered to learn it first and help train others. That adaptability led to my first promotion.

2. Communication: Your voice matters

Growing up in a household that valued curiosity and education, I learned to share ideas and listen carefully. Don’t be shy to ask for clarification or to let your natural accent shine—it’s part of your story.

Language barriers can feel intimidating, but I’ve found that asking questions is a strength.

Real example? To this day, some people make jokes about my Spanish accent or how I sometimes toss in a Spanish word when I can't find the English one. But as long as I can communicate my ideas clearly, it has always worked. It's part of who I am, and I embrace it.

3. Time Management: Meeting Canadian workplace expectations

Let’s level up your time management game, because in Canada, delivering on time isn’t just appreciated, it’s essential! Many of us come from cultures with more flexible approaches, but here, reliability builds trust.

Everyone procrastinates sometimes, but the key is to build habits that keep you moving forward.

Real example: In my daily meetings and deliverables, I sometimes struggled with multiple overlapping deadlines. I started using a daily planner and prioritizing tasks by urgency. This simple habit helped me meet deadlines consistently and showed my team I could be trusted to manage my workload.

4. Problem-Solving: Turn challenges into opportunities

Problem-solving became second nature as a newcomer, from navigating new cities to handling unexpected work challenges. Staying calm and curious turns obstacles into growth moments.

When difficulties come up, don’t freeze; think creatively, ask for input, and keep moving forward. Problem-solving isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about your approach and resilience.

Real example? In my second month, our accounting software crashed before a key financial report was due to my manager. I quickly suggested compiling the trend data manually while IT fixed the issue. My manager was impressed by our focus and resourcefulness, not the technical glitch.

5. Teamwork: Use your natural social energy to lead

When I moved to Canada, I realized that real leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about showing up, helping others, and leading with integrity. Being social and building connections comes naturally to many of us. Channel that energy to build trust, support colleagues, and celebrate wins together.

Real example? During a busy month-end, I noticed a teammate overwhelmed by deadlines. I offered to help double-check their numbers and supported them in meeting the deadline. It built trust and showed we’re stronger together.

6. Integrity: Building trust through honesty

Let’s face it—no one’s perfect! We all make mistakes, especially in a new workplace. Integrity means owning those mistakes, learning from them, and showing you’re someone others can rely on.

Real example: Once, I realized I’d misunderstood a deadline and delivered a report late. I immediately told my manager, explained the mix-up, and shared how I’d prevent it next time. My honesty built his trust and showed I was someone he could count on.

7. Continuous Learning: your superpower

As newcomers, we’re always learning—whether it’s ordering a “double-double” at Tim Hortons or mastering new job tools. That curiosity is a genuine superpower in Canada’s evolving workplace.

Put it to work, sign up for a workshop, ask for feedback, or take an online course, every step shows you’re ready to grow.

Real example? I wanted to expand my knowledge on actual matters, so I signed up for lunchtime webinars on taxes, tariffs, and cybersecurity. It made me more prepared for real-world challenges that impact businesses today.

Now…are you ready to put them into action? My recommendation is that you step out of your comfort zone. It’s how these soft skills move from theory to daily practice

These skills are yours to learn, practice, and master, and they’re the key to building a thriving future in Canada. Your success isn’t a solo journey: it’s built on resilience, curiosity, and the support of a community that believes in your potential.

At Hispanotech, we're here to support your journey. Join us at our upcoming networking events where you can practice these skills in a welcoming environment, sign up for our mentorship program to get personalized guidance, or connect with our community of successful professionals who've walked this path.

By Raquel Insa

The Art of Value-Based Networking: How to Build Meaningful Connections at Events

Networking is often seen as a way to expand professional circles, but too many people approach it with a transactional mindset—asking for favors, collecting contact information, and hoping for a direct benefit. True networking, however, is about creating and nurturing meaningful relationships by providing value. Whether in person or online, here is how you can make a lasting impact at events through strategic, value-driven networking.

1. Shift Your Mindset: From Taking to Giving

Approach networking as an opportunity to offer insights, support, and collaboration rather than simply seeking something in return. People remember and appreciate those who add value to their professional or personal lives.

2. Do Your Homework Before the Event

Understanding the event’s purpose and attendees beforehand will allow you to identify how you can contribute to discussions. Research speakers, panelists, and fellow attendees to find ways to engage meaningfully.

3. Engage Authentically in Conversations

Instead of leading with “What do you do?” try asking thoughtful questions like:

• “What’s a current challenge you’re working through?”

• “What excites you most about your industry right now?”

These types of questions invite deeper dialogue, opening the door for you to provide helpful insights or connections.

4. Share Knowledge and Resources

During in-person or virtual networking, offer valuable information—whether it is an article recommendation, a book suggestion, or a tool that might help them solve a problem. If you have expertise in a specific area, share thoughtful advice that can benefit others.

5. Connect Others and Build Bridges

One of the most powerful networking moves is connecting people who can help each other. If someone shares a problem that another connection could solve, introduce them. Becoming a connector strengthens your credibility and builds goodwill.

6. Follow Up with Genuine Intentions

Networking does not end when the event does. Reach out afterward with a friendly note referencing your conversation. Share additional resources or ideas based on what you discussed. This cements the relationship and shows that you genuinely care.

7. Be Active in Virtual Spaces

For online networking events, engaging in chat discussions, sharing thoughtful LinkedIn posts, and contributing to group conversations fosters strong connections. Offer insights in webinars and comment meaningfully in virtual meetups to stand out.

8. Offer Help Without Expecting Immediate Returns

Building long-term relationships means offering assistance without expecting instant reciprocity. When you create a reputation as someone who adds value, opportunities naturally come your way.

Final Thoughts

Great networking is not about accumulating contacts—it is about creating authentic, value-driven relationships. Whether in person or online, leading with generosity, knowledge, and genuine connection will make you a sought-after contact in any professional circle.

About the Blog Post Contributor:

Gabriel Seminario - Full-Stack Marketer with a passion for Web3 Technologies. He focuses on the applications of Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality in Marketing, Arts and Digital Media.

Follow him on X: @gabrielsemin

The Relevance of Networking for Career Development

By Carlos Chalico

When Hispanotech invited me to write something for their newsletter about soft skills, two thoughts came to my mind.

1. One with excitement. Hispanotech is an organization very close to my heart that I respect a lot, so being invited to write for their newsletter is an honour.

2. One with my favourite topic within soft skills. I thought of networking and its relevance when we are working on developing a career. And this is the topic the following lines will be focused on.

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, networking has become an essential component of career development. And we must think of networking not as a one-time activity, but as a leaving process that we must take care of and nurture, so that the network we build is always there for us, as a result of having us always there for our network. The below are elements that require attention when getting ready to develop and maintain our own network.

1. Opportunities for Job Placement

One of the most significant advantages of networking is the access it provides to job opportunities (although I must say it also helps find valuable friendships). Many positions are filled through referrals and recommendations rather than traditional job postings, this is even called “the hidden job market”. By networking with professionals in your field, you can learn about job openings before they are advertised and gain insights into the hiring process.

2. Knowledge Sharing and Skill Development

Networking allows you to share knowledge, experiences, and leading practices. Engaging with others in your area of specialty can expose you to new ideas, trends, styles, frameworks, and technologies that can enhance your skill set. Participating in workshops, seminars, and industry conferences can also provide valuable learning experiences that contribute to your professional development.

3. Building Relationships and Trust

You will realize that networking is not just about exchanging LinkedIn profiles; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Trust is a critical component of this, and networking helps establish a foundation of trust with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. These relationships can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and support systems that are invaluable for career advancement.

4. Mentorship Opportunities

Networking can connect you with potential mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and support throughout your career. A mentor can help you navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop your professional skills. Having a mentor can be particularly beneficial for those entering a new industry or seeking to advance in their current field. By the way, keep your eyes open as Hispanotech has one of the most powerful mentorship programs available in Canada.

5. Visibility and Personal Branding

In a competitive job market like the one we live in, having a strong personal brand is crucial. Networking helps increase your visibility in general and within your industry. By actively participating in professional organizations, online forums, and social media platforms like LinkedIn, you can showcase your expertise and accomplishments. This visibility can lead to new opportunities and enhance your reputation as a knowledgeable professional, regardless of the discipline.

6. Access to Resources and Information

Networking provides access to a wealth of resources and information that can aid in your career development. Whether it’s industry reports, job leads, or advice on leading practices, your network will be a valuable source of information. Engaging with others can also keep you informed about industry changes and emerging trends, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve.

7. Support During Career Transitions

Career transitions can be challenging, whether you are changing jobs, industries, or roles. A strong network can provide the support you need during these times. Your connections can offer encouragement, share their experiences, and provide leads that can help you navigate your transition more smoothly.

Conclusion

Networking is a vital tool for career development that should not be overlooked. It opens doors to opportunities, fosters relationships, and provides access to valuable resources and information. By actively engaging in networking, you can enhance career prospects, build a supportive community, and achieve career goals. Whether through formal networking events or informal connections, the importance of networking in career development cannot be overstated. Embrace the power of networking and watch your career flourish keeping always in mind that your network requires permanent attention to be always ready for you.

Developing Soft Skills: The Key to Integration and Success in the Canadian Job Market

In a dynamic and multicultural work environment like Canada’s, soft skills have become a critical differentiator. These are the personal and social abilities that allow us to communicate effectively, collaborate, adapt, and solve problems as a team. They include empathy, teamwork, creativity, time management, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking.

While the concept is shared across both North America and Latin America, how soft skills are valued can differ. In Canada, these abilities are considered just as important as technical knowledge. Professionals are expected to demonstrate them from the early stages of their careers. A report by the Conference Board of Canada highlights human skills such as communication, adaptability, and critical thinking as essential for the future of work (Conference Board of Canada, 2020).

In contrast, many Latin American countries still prioritize technical knowledge in hiring processes. However, this view is rapidly evolving. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), soft skills are increasingly valued in recruitment, especially in international or multinational companies (IDB, 2021).

One of the most powerful — and often underestimated — soft skills is the art of selling. This doesn’t just refer to selling products, but also to the ability to communicate ideas, pitch projects, influence others with empathy, and build trust. Selling your skills in a job interview or presenting a proposal with clarity and persuasion are concrete examples of this valuable skill.

Are soft skills innate or can they be developed? The answer is clear: they can be practiced. Just as one can learn to code or operate a tool, you can also learn to lead a team, communicate with empathy, or resolve conflict. The key lies in intentional practice, constant feedback, and exposure to diverse situations.

Today, there are innovative tools to support this development. For instance, RolPlay is an AI-based training platform that allows you to practice soft skills in realistic simulations like interviews, presentations, or difficult conversations. When combined with the guidance of a professional coach, learning becomes holistic: the coach helps develop emotional and strategic depth, while RolPlay provides real-time feedback and data-driven insights.

For newcomers to Canada, mastering soft skills is essential to secure a job that matches their previous experience. Here are some recommendations:

Improve your conversational English beyond the technical level. Join conversation circles or use simulators like RolPlay to practice interviews and meetings.

Understand the Canadian workplace culture, where autonomy, clear communication, and collaboration are highly valued. (TRIEC and Job Bank Canada offer free cultural orientation resources.)

Practice interviews and networking in English, using coaching platforms or attending local events.

Find a mentor, through programs like Hispanotech Mentorship or TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, which provide guidance, connections, and job market insights.

Engage in volunteering or side projects, which are excellent for applying soft skills in real Canadian environments, showing commitment, and growing your network.

In summary: having technical experience is not enough. What makes the difference is knowing how to communicate that experience and adapting it to the new context. Soft skills not only boost your employability — they accelerate your professional and personal growth in Canada.

Mario Zenteno

Founder and CEO RolPlay

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

https://rolplay.ai/en/

3 Ways To Stand Out In The Workplace ( & Grow Your Career)

By Gloria Pierre

Are you career-conscious and wondering how to stand out in the workplace?

One way is to show personal leadership. What is it? It is defined as taking responsibility for your life and career and making decisions that are in your best interests. There are many ways to deploy personal leadership to grow your career. Here are 3 with questions to ponder on.

1. Recognize That You Have Earned Authority.

Earned authority indicates that you’ve paid your dues through experience, constant learning and time invested. Your accomplishments are proof.

President Obama didn’t have formal authority because he didn’t lead a large organization or a political campaign but he held leadership positions in the non-profit arena. He had earned authority, which by the way, generates respect faster than formal authority.

Recognize that most of your skills are transferable so leverage your earned authority to boost your confidence and performance and be noticed.

Question: What skills do you excel in that you are not currently using? How can you use them and where?

2. Take Responsibility

Be specific about what you want to achieve and when and hold yourself accountable.

In your career, the buck stops with you. No one is as invested in your career as you are. You are responsible for it so dive in and ask for assignments or do tasks that will showcase your under-utilized skills, especially if you are not using them in your current position. Go to your manager with specific suggestions about how you can contribute to improving processes or systems or making the department more efficient. Something else you can do is to figure out what skills you need to learn to be better at what you do or to be closer to your career goals. Doing so immediately differentiates yourself from your co-workers. Make it easy for your boss to help you achieve your goals.

If you want to be a leader at work, learn to take responsibility for anything you participate in- whether it fails or succeeds.

Question: If you are not where you want to be in your career or business, what do you have to do to get there?

3. See Opportunities Everywhere

Align your career goals with the department or company goals and you’ll notice opportunities everywhere. This will help you to anticipate and adapt to change quicker and get company-wide exposure. You will be noticed for your boldness to stand out and your earned authority will be recognized.

Also don’t ignore lateral moves. Whether they are temporary or permanent, you will be learning about other departments. Consider taking on the project no one wants and you’ll get to know people from other departments and what’s happening in the company.

Last question: What opportunities are you ignoring?

Case Studies

Case study 1: I have a client who got married and moved to Denver. The only job she got was working in a call centre. In one of our calls, we talked about personal leadership.

As a result of the discussions, she set out to learn all she can about her role and the department. She had work experience but never heard of earned authority. She identified relevant transferable skills and made suggestions for improving some processes which were implemented.

Soon after, she was promoted to shift supervisor and showed more of those transferable skills. Management noticed her and she was offered a temporary position in HR.

The company is aggressively expanding so she is in a pivotal position to capitalize on the opportunity to create a role for herself in the new environment or in an existing role that is suitable. She has shown her earned authority, her willingness to move and grow and her ability to build relationships.

She has shown personal leadership and now has more earned authority.

Case study 2: Another client started a business which quickly grew and so had to hire 2 employees. Because it was so busy, they weren’t properly trained which caused delays with orders. In one of our talks, the client shared he managed 10 employees in his previous job and shared the problems he was having with his new employees. To solve his problem without incurring training costs, he drew on his earned authority to train and looked for opportunities to do informal training. He is taking full responsibility for every aspect of his business now.

To be successful in leading, first be successful in personal leadership. The answers to the questions you wrote should prompt you to recognize your earned authority, take full responsibility for your career and pounce on those opportunities you’ll be noticing.

Jarod Kintz said “Leadership is being the first egg in the omelet.”

I say personal leadership is the first egg in the omelet.

Clearly Speaking www.clearlyspeaking.ca info@clearlyspeaking.ca

On March 28th (St. Patrick’s Edition), April 25th (Happy Viernes), and May 30th (Mom Edition), we hosted our monthly Happy Friday Networking Events.

Huge thanks to our partners and volunteers from LPMN - Latin Project Management Network, IE University and from ALPFA Toronto for their support and this alliance with Hispanotech .ca to empower professionals in Toronto/GTA.

This monthly event is a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with new people, all in a welcoming and informal setting. Expand your network and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Our president, Citlalli Rios, and LPMN’s president, Jaime Gonzalez, had the honour to celebrate The North Project Managers 7th Anniversary. Here’s to many more years, projects, partnerships, and unforgettable moments ahead.

TNPM’s mission is to connect, empower, and elevate project managers through real conversations and shared experiences. Join them here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-north-project-managers

To everyone who attends our events, and recommends us, thank you for making it such a warm, insightful, and energizing evening.

Join us at our next event on June 20th! (visit our events page for registration details). Here are some pictures from our three past events

On May 29, Hispanotech was a proud partner in organizing the event “Building the New Economy: Distributive Capitalism”, with ALPFA Toronto and IE University at KPMG.

David Harlley, delivered an insightful Master Class alongside his book launch where he introduces a successor to Capitalism. A system with an explicit mandate of distributed wealth and ownership that the author terms "Distributive Capitalism". Harlley takes a multi-dimensional view of the potential comparative advantages of a distributed system, covering areas as diverse as climate change, political grid-lock, macro-economic risk and economic justice, while always anchoring his arguments for "Distributive Capitalism" to the goal of human happiness and flourishing.

Want to purchase his book? Join the waiting list here: https://www.buildingtheneweconomy.com/

Interested in diving deeper into the themes he shared? Read his latest article:

https://www.ie.edu/insights/articles/why-africa-matters-in-the-new-global-order/

Our president, Citlalli Rios, had the honour to emcee this event, and presented Damian Rivera, CEO of ALPFA Inc - Association of Latino Professionals For America who shared a vibrant message to all attendees. Later on, we heard insights from Silvia Gonzalez-Zamora about KPMGs Corporate Citizenship inititative.

This was an inspiring evening, exploring bold ideas around ownership, inclusion, and the future of our economy. Great job to the host, sponsors, organizers and volunteers.

On April 29th, Hispanotech joined the TCDSB first Spanish Language Day celebration. This event was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful testament to the strength, richness, and beauty of the Spanish language and the communities that keep it alive.

Marked with an inspiring keynote by Martha Batiz, with heartfelt stories and insights that reminded us of the transformative power of language and storytelling.

We were treated with a beautiful dance performance by Jessica Rios, who brought tradition to life with elegance and emotion—an unforgettable expression of heritage through movement.

Our president, Citlalli Rios and ALPFA Toronto's president, Carlos Chalico, engaged with students and thoughtfully opened doors to future pathways and inspired a deeper connection to community and identity. This is a great reminder of why student voices are so essential in shaping inclusive and dynamic learning environments.

Great job putting this together, every student, staff member, participating school, officials and guests who brought their voice, presence, and passion to the day.

Spanish Language Day is a powerful reminder of the value of linguistic and cultural diversity. It invites us to celebrate our identities, deepen understanding, and continue building bridges through language.

Thank you, Canada Habla Espanol and Ericka Aguilera, for helping us mark this day with such meaning and joy. This type of initiative underlines the importance of education as a pillar for the preservation and

dissemination of the Spanish language in the region. Let's continue to celebrate the community's commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity.

On April 24, The North Project Managers - TNPM and Hispanotech resumed their longstanding partnership with the first in-person networking event.

We brought together passionate professionals dedicated to growing stronger connections within the project management community.

Thanks to the volunteers for putting together such an event, and the TNPM team: Lanna Firmino Silva - Director of Events, Naira Pearce, MEng., PMP® - VP of Finance and Luiza Baptista - VP of Mentoring.

Our president Citlalli Rios was in attendance, alongside representatives from our partner, LPMN.

With our collaborative approach, we guarantee a wider reach. In English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, thanks to all attendees for their enthusiastic participation.

On April 23rd, in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, Canada Habla Español (CANHE), in collaboration with GRULA (the Latin American Group of Ambassadors) and the Embassy of Spain hosted an inaugural ceremony of the Spanish Language Day that is now engraved in the collective memory. The celebration took place at the emblematic Global Centre for Pluralism, a venue that symbolizes the richness of Canadian diversity. This event brought together 17 ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, business owners, educators and members of the Hispanic community, reflecting the growing influence and impact of Spanish in all aspects of the lives of the Hispanics.

Hispanotech’s president, Citlalli Rios was, of course, present as the Hispanic community proudly celebrates the second anniversary of the official proclamation of Spanish Language Day, an event that continues to gain strength in the diplomatic and cultural spheres.

This achievement is due, in large part, to the organization Canada Habla Español (CANHE), which through its different chapters and collaborations with members and community organizations, has promoted the proclamations of Spanish Language Day, showing how a collective effort can transform the reality of a community.

The ceremony began with the reading of the proclamation, which began a day that recognized the transformative power of Spanish. And the significant words of the Center for Pluralism by Meredith Preston. Next, the writers Martha Batiz and Antolina Ortiz Moore gave voice to Hispanic letters, reading excerpts from their works, while the audience immersed themselves in the literary richness that has left its mark on generations of Spanish speakers. The presence of the Cervantes Institute, with professors Yolanda Iglesias and Lauren Beck, made palpable the institution's commitment to the teaching and promotion of the Spanish language, contributing to the understanding and cultural appreciation between Canada and the Spanish-speaking world.

Great job with the panel "Voices of Spanish: Leadership and Community," which brought together the panelists: Noemi Weis (Argentina), Dr. Juan Luis Suarez (Spain), Dr. Raquel Zegarra del Carpio O'Donovan (Peru), and Daniel DesRosiers (El Salvador). These visionaries shared their experiences on how Spanish has become a bridge for science, the arts, and business, and how empathetic leadership from Spanish speakers is opening new doors in various fields.

In Ottawa, Spanish Language Day was not only a linguistic celebration, but a reaffirmation of the cultural strength that the Hispanic language continues to represent in the heart of Canada. These types of celebrations not only celebrate the language, but also show how Canadian communities, both in Toronto and in other cities, are building cultural bridges, strengthening relations with Spanish-speaking countries, and promoting the richness of languages and traditions that enrich Canadian society.