2025 Recruitment Trends in Vietnam: What You Need to Know
As Vietnam’s economy continues to strengthen, driven by trade, production, and investment, the country is poised for significant progress. The Asian Development Bank forecasts a GDP growth of 6.5% in 2025. Whilst this presents a positive outlook, how will this move the needle for the country’s job market and recruitment efforts? The following trends can provide insights for job seekers, employees, and employers to guide their trajectory for 2025.
Continuing Challenges
Labour and skills shortages
Data from Vietnam’s Employment Department have indicated that companies are having difficulty filling over 836,000 general labour positions. This is also apparent in the survey by Việc Làm Tốt, an online job search platform. In their results, 85% of companies are experiencing labour shortages, with 30% facing severe deficits.
Whilst the country remains attractive to foreign investors, the shift towards automation and high-tech industries is demanding a more skilled workforce, especially in managerial and leadership roles. The Hà Nội Employment Service Centre indicates that around 45% of businesses are prioritising candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher. The government’s General Statistics Office reports that over 70% of the labour force lacks formal training, reflecting a significant gap between labour supply and the demands of a modern economy.
Companies are actively seeking talent both domestically and internationally. But despite these trends, labour shortages will remain a pressing issue across various sectors, including technology, production, business, finance-accounting, marketing, human resources, and R&D, among others.
Recruitment issues
Hoàng Thị Minh Ngọc, director of Việc Làm Tốt, noted that companies are grappling with recruitment inefficiencies, ineffective screening of candidates, and intense competition for talent. Recruiters are burdened with the tedious task of filtering through incomplete resumes, with only 14% of applicants meeting all necessary qualifications in terms of technical and soft skills as well as attitude. Unfortunately, 30% of candidates have problems in creating a comprehensive resume and 60% of job seekers find the application process too complex to follow through.
For headhunting companies in Vietnam, attracting talent has become more complicated. Job seekers are looking for higher salaries and companies are working to make their compensation and benefits package more competitive. But beyond this, more and more job hunters – particularly millennials and Gen Zs – are seeking for purpose-driven work.
Based on Manpower’s 2024 Vietnam Survey Report: The Quest for Meaning at Work, this includes personal fulfillment, work-life balance, being in a supportive community, and working for a good cause. Employers are now more focused on cultivating an uplifting work culture and enhancing their branding to attract candidates with better cultural fit.
Adapting to change
In PwC’s Asia Pacific Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024, 88% of Vietnamese employees have experienced more workplace changes compared to their regional counterparts. These include increased workloads, adapting to new tools and technologies, team structure transitions, and changes in their day-to-day responsibilities.
Whilst 92% of workers are receptive to new work practices and career development, 73% feel burdened by these rapid developments. As a result, 65% of respondents are concerned about how these changes will affect their job security whilst 52% feel confident about having a job for the next 12 months.
Opportunities on the horizon
Proactive government support
Foreign investment has significantly increased in 2024 due to the country’s business-friendly environment, progressive government initiatives, and a robust workforce. Vietnam is on track to attract USD $39-40 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) by year-end, according to estimates by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
By prioritising vocational training and upskilling, the government fosters a workforce equipped to meet local and global industry requirements, enhancing employability and economic competitiveness. Vietnam’s edge – low costs, skilled workers, and government support – has even challenged India’s position as Asia’s IT outsourcing hub.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the People’s Committee launched its labour and employment strategy for 2023-2025. Targeted sectors to boost labour productivity include Information and Communication Technology, Mechanical-Automobile, Healthcare, Tourism, Logistics, Accounting-Finance, Construction-Environment-Urban Planning, and Mechatronics-Automation. This aligns with Vietnam’s National Program on Increasing Labor Productivity to 2030, targeting 7% annual growth to keep up with international trends.
Going for green jobs
Reports by Manpower and PwC highlight the growing importance of sustainability in the workforce. Over 50% of Vietnamese employees expect companies to prioritise Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities, and 85% consider a company’s reputation when seeking employment.
According to the International Labour Organization, green jobs are “decent jobs that contribute to preserve or restore the environment.” The World Bank has reported that green occupations account for 41% of Vietnam’s employment, requiring higher skill profiles. As a hub for economic development and green initiatives, Ho Chi Minh City is well-positioned to lead Vietnam’s green transition, promoting sustainable practices and workforce development.
Commitment to upskilling
PwC’s Asia Pacific Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024 have noted Vietnamese workers’ dedication to skill development. The results show that 92% are eager to learn new skills, 75% receive employer support for training, and 71% are confident in utilising their capabilities.
To remain competitive, recruitment agencies in Vietnam advise job seekers to focus on professional development, enhancing their soft skills, and adapting to evolving technologies. With 64% anticipating skill changes and 90% optimistic about generative AI’s impact, Vietnamese workers are proactive in enhancing their abilities, languages, and IT proficiency to succeed in the evolving job market.
Reliable talent acquisition sourcing in Ho Chi Minh City
With 2025 just around the corner, staying attuned to these emerging trends will help build a foundation that’s adaptable to change — whether you’re a job seeker, an employee, or an employer.
To guide you in your recruitment and career journey, partner with a trusted talent acquisition sourcing expert. ASW Consulting has built a solid reputation in Vietnam’s recruitment industry, providing access to highly qualified talent for multinational and newly established companies. Our talent acquisition consultants in Ho Chi Minh City have assisted many job seekers with their applications to make their career dreams come true and create positive candidate experiences along the way.
Contact us or visit our recruitment agency in Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s work together to help you achieve your goals this 2025.
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