Top 12 Tips on How to Transition into a New Career in Vietnam
After the Tet holidays, it’s a flurry of recruitment activity in Vietnam’s job market with a surge of new job openings. If you’re planning to make your next career move during this period, it also means more competition as many applicants may be gunning for the same role that you’re after. Transitioning to a new career can be challenging, but it’s worth it if it leads to greater success in your professional journey.
Here are ways to help you shift and adapt when you take on a new career during this “golden season of recruitment” in Vietnam.
1. Consider what you excel at
Assess the transferable skills from your previous career that will be useful in your new role. For example, some of your soft skills (e.g., creativity, problem solving, communication, collaboration) can be used to your advantage in the new path you’ve chosen.
2. Understand the job market
Stay updated on the latest trends in the industry where you want to focus. Learn about salary ranges, the top skills required by employers, and innovations that will help you stay ahead of your competition.
3. Build authentic connections
Join networking events, job and trade fairs, and online communities where you can connect with other professionals in the field you’re interested in. Seek out mentors who can guide you with their own experience and expertise. You can gain valuable insights that you can apply in your new role. Plus, you’ll be exposed to more career opportunities from your new connections.
4. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
Tailor your resume by highlighting skills and experience that are relevant to the role that you want. In your LinkedIn profile, edit it to show your intention to explore a different career direction and connect with recruitment agencies in Vietnam who are always on the lookout for fresh talent.
5. Invest in upskilling
Arm yourself with the tools of the trade to boost your competitiveness. Consider enrolling in workshops, seminars, certification programs, and online courses that offer skill development pertaining to your new career. Vietnam’s job market values continuous learning and employers appreciate candidates who take the initiative to upskill.
6. Explore entry-level roles
Don’t hesitate to take on entry-level positions. This serves as the launching pad of your new career trajectory. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about the industry from the ground up, allowing you to create new experiences that will become stepping stones to more senior positions.
7. Prepare to explain your career change during interviews
Employers appreciate the enthusiasm of candidates who are open to learning new skills and are committed to blaze a trail in their career. Cite examples of how your transferable skills can be put to good use in your new role which can benefit the company. Mention how your passion and interest in exploring a new career direction will drive success.
8. Stay motivated
Transitioning to a new career means you need to be flexible with your strategies. Manage your expectations and be adaptable to different circumstances and challenges that can come your way. The important thing is to maintain your motivation and be resilient as you adjust to a new field.
9. Do your research
Research the companies that you would like to apply in your new career. This gives you an idea of what their culture is like, what are their values, and whether they align with your own values set and your career goals. Take note if they have programs that support your professional development as you grow into your new role.
10. Freelance for experience
Participate in freelance or volunteer projects relevant to your interests. These are valuable opportunities to help you gain work experience in the career you want to shift to as you build your portfolio.
11. Consider work-life balance
A 2024 Manpower survey on The Quest for Meaning at Work revealed that 99% of Vietnamese respondents want to find purpose in their career. This includes finding balance between their personal and professional lives. As you change your career course, take note of how this will affect your work-life balance and what steps will you take to maintain it.
12. Seek advice from a headhunting company in Vietnam
Recruitment agencies are taking advantage of this season to attract talent. Get in touch with a talent sourcing consultancy firm in Vietnam who can give you career transition advice and guide you towards the right job that fulfills your new career goals.
ASW Consulting: your trusted partner towards a successful career
As a job seeker in this busy post-Tet period of recruitment, making a decisive shift in your career journey can feel overwhelming. But with a trusted talent sourcing agency on your side, you can find the support and connections needed to make a successful career transition.
ASW Consulting is a reliable recruitment agency in Vietnam that can connect you to rewarding and fulfilling job opportunities where you can enjoy a thriving career. Our talent acquisition consultants will help you assess your strengths and skills so they can match you with the right role in your desired field. Contact us or visit our recruitment agency in Ho Chi Minh City and let’s make your new career dreams come true!
Related blogs:
From Clicks to Hires: Optimise Job Listings for Vietnamese Talent