Why Tết 2026 Could Be the Best Time to Make Your Next Career Move
In this season of Tết 2026, the Vietnamese labour market is expected to surge with unique opportunities for job seekers across the country. Traditionally, the months immediately following the Lunar New Year are considered the “golden period” for recruitment and job-hopping. Employees who have just received their year-end bonuses often seek new positions, while employers begin reorganising, filling vacancies, and ramping up hiring for the year ahead. This early-year momentum creates a dynamic environment that savvy candidates can leverage to secure roles before recruitment activity tapers off later in the calendar year.
Understanding the 2026 Labor Market in Vietnam
According to a recent TopCV survey, the most active sectors in Vietnam’s labour market for 2026 include business and sales (44.6%), marketing, communications, and advertising (38.71%), and IT and software development (36.46%). At the same time, automation and artificial intelligence are affecting more routine positions, such as customer service and other repetitive roles, emphasising the need for candidates to upskill and stay competitive.
The International Labor Organization’s 2026 Employment and Social Trends Report also highlights the importance of targeted training programs under Vietnam’s Employment Law. This will help workers adapt to technology-driven workplace changes and prepare for emerging opportunities.
Regional Hiring Trends During Tết 2026
Hanoi
In the weeks leading up to Tết, the Hanoi Employment Service Center reported a robust hiring environment driven by growing business confidence, increased investment, and rising wages. Companies across retail, manufacturing, and construction sectors are actively recruiting both general workers and technical staff.
A survey covering nearly 4,600 job openings revealed strong demand, with competitive salaries and benefits designed to attract talent. Key growth areas for recruitment include wholesale and retail (+6%), manufacturing and processing (+5%), construction (+5%), and transport and logistics (+4%). Specialised industries such as mechanical engineering, electronics, refrigeration, textiles, and garments also report increasing demand. To support these efforts, Hanoi plans to create over 170,000 jobs in 2026 and expand vocational programs to enhance workforce skills in line with ongoing economic growth.
Ho Chi Minh City
The Ho Chi Minh City Employment Service Center reported that job openings in 2025 were 1.64 times higher than the number of registered job seekers, and demand continues to remain strong.
During the city’s first major job fair of 2026, nearly 70 employers offered more than 8,500 positions. However, firms such as Be Group reported a shortage of workers, filling only 2,000–3,000 of the 5,000–10,000 roles available. Online recruitment has become a dominant method, accounting for 76% of applications, emphasising the importance of digital literacy.
Job fairs and employment centers also provide candidates with access to immediate-start positions, particularly in high-demand industries such as garments, footwear, furniture, electronics, and food & beverage, with wages ranging from VND 8–15 million/month. Projections indicate the urban area may need 800,000–1 million additional workers by 2030, 70% of whom will work in services and high-tech sectors, highlighting the urgency for candidates to develop relevant skills.
Da Nang
Businesses in Da Nang are also accelerating recruitment in the lead-up to Tết. Companies like Thuận Phước Seafood and Trading JSC and SETO Vietnam Co., Ltd. are hiring hundreds of workers for seasonal and permanent roles, offering salaries of VND 7–11 million/month plus performance-based bonuses. Employers are boosting base salaries and offering referral incentives to attract and retain talent, particularly in manufacturing, administrative, and service roles.
Job-Hunting Tips for Tết 2026
To navigate this competitive landscape, Vietnamese job seekers can consider the following strategies:
1. Start Early, Before Tết
Begin your job search 1–2 months before Tết to get ahead of the competition. Many companies finalise staffing plans well in advance, especially for seasonal or high-demand roles. By preparing early, you can research companies, customise your applications, and secure interviews before positions are filled, giving you a significant advantage.
2. Update Your CV and Online Profiles
Ensure your CV reflects your latest skills, achievements, and experiences. Update profiles on platforms such as TopCV, LinkedIn, and VietnamWorks, which many employers rely on for digital recruitment. A polished CV and professional online presence help recruitment agencies in Vietnam spot you quickly in a competitive Tết hiring period.
3. Target High-Demand Sectors
Focus your efforts on industries that expand hiring during Tết , including retail, manufacturing, food & beverage, logistics, and services. These sectors often experience surges in workload to meet customer demand and production deadlines.
4. Leverage Job Fairs and Employment Centers
Attend local job fairs and visit the Ho Chi Minh City Employment Service Center or equivalent provincial centers to meet employers directly. These events often feature hundreds of openings, giving you the chance to submit CVs in person, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback.
5. Highlight Flexible Availability
Employers during Tết often need candidates who can start immediately or work flexible hours. Clearly communicate your availability in applications and interviews to stand out, demonstrating your adaptability and willingness to meet the company’s urgent staffing needs.
6. Prepare for Quick Interviews
Many employers conduct rapid, on-the-spot interviews during Tết . Practice a concise personal pitch, prepare examples of relevant experience, and anticipate common questions. Being ready for quick interviews can help you impress hiring managers in fast-paced recruitment events.
7. Upskill in In-Demand Competencies
Develop skills that are highly valued during Tết , such as customer service, IT basics, logistics, or machine operation. Short courses or certifications can make you more competitive and open doors to higher-paying, specialised positions.
8. Leverage Networking
Use your personal and professional networks to uncover opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. Friends, colleagues, and alumni can provide referrals and insider tips, helping you access roles more quickly than relying solely on online applications.
9. Research Company Holiday Policies
Some businesses offer Tết bonuses, allowances, or early-year incentives, which can influence hiring decisions and timing. Understanding these policies helps you prioritise applications to companies aligned with your career and financial goals.
10. Be Mindful of Timing and Follow-Up
Recruitment activity peaks just before and immediately after Tết . Polite, well-timed follow-ups show professionalism and sustained interest, keeping you visible to hiring managers and headhunting firms in Vietnam during this competitive period.
Connecting with the Right Recruitment Partner
For candidates seeking guidance in this busy season, partnering with a professional recruitment agency in Vietnam can make a significant difference. Whether you’re targeting c-suite recruitment in Ho Chi Minh City, searching for mid-level opportunities through a talent search agency, or exploring general roles via an HR agency in Vietnam, working with experts can help match your skills to high-demand positions.
At ASW Consulting, we specialise in connecting Vietnamese professionals with top employers across multiple sectors. If you’re looking to explore exciting career opportunities this Tết 2026, contact us and let our team of talent acquisition specialists guide you toward the roles that fit your skills, ambitions, and timing. Your next career move could start with a single conversation.
Related blogs:
Vietnam’s Tết Season: What Employers Can Do to Retain Talent
2026 Career Success Starts Now: Top Tips for Jobseekers in Vietnam