Navigating Vietnam’s Dynamic Job Market in 2025: A Talent-First Approach

As we progress into 2025, Vietnam’s job market is proving to be as dynamic and vibrant as ever. The post-Tết period typically sees a surge in recruitment activity, and this year is no exception. However, the landscape is evolving, with both opportunities and challenges emerging for businesses and job seekers alike.

Vietnam workforce overview

Vietnam’s labor force in 2024 is approximately 53 million, an increase of 575,400 from the previous year, with a labor participation rate of 68.9 percent.

Education and training: The proportion of the labor force holding training certificates stands at 28.3 percent for 2024, marking a 1.1 percentage point increase.

Employment: The total number of employed individuals reached 51.9 million, reflecting a rise of 585,100 or 1.1 percent compared to the previous year.

Vietnam’s employment distribution in 2024 was as follows:

• Rural areas: 32.0 million, a decrease of 246,100.
• Urban areas: 19.9 million, an increase of 831,200.

Vietnam employment statistics

Employment Sector in Vietnam	Employment (2024)	Percentage of Total Employment
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing	13.7 million	26.5
Industry and construction	17.4 million	33.4
Services	20.8 million	40.1
Total	51.9 million	100

Labor demand is high in Vietnam’s major industrial hubs

Ho Chi Minh City

A representative from the Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City stated that the city’s labor market has shown positive signs following the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday. Recruitment demand is rising across most industries, with around 50,400 – 55,500 job vacancies.

The distribution of human resource demand is as follows:

• Trade and services: 67.57 percent;
• Construction: 31.92 percent; and
• Agriculture, forestry, and fishery: 0.51 percent.

Key industries account for 17.18 percent of the total demand, including:

• Mechanics: 6.12 percent;
• Pharmaceuticals: 5.96 percent;
• Food and food Processing: 2.84 percent; and
• Electronics manufacturing: 2.26 percent.

Recruitment demand is particularly high in sectors such as:

• Garment, leather, and footwear;
• Commercial business;
• Administration, editing, and translation;
• Mechanics and automation, including transportation, warehousing, and port services;
• Accounting and auditing; and
• Marketing.

The primary targeted age group is 27 to 35, comprising 48.77 percent, while those under 26 account for 28.77 percent.

Meanwhile, the HCMC Center for Forecasting Manpower Needs and Labor Market Information (FALMI) expects the city to recruit 79,000 to 84,000 workers in the first quarter of 2025.

In terms of expertise, the demand for trained human resources stands at 88.11 percent, distributed as follows:

• Primary-level training: 34.61 percent
• Secondary-level training: 20.14 percent
• University level and above: 18.76 percent
• Associate degree level: 14.6 percent

The demand for unskilled labor is expected to be 11.89 percent.

Hanoi

According to the Hanoi Employment Service Center, businesses in Hanoi are expected to focus on hiring workers in fields related to information technology, renewable energy, the green economy, and digital transformation. Positions such as programmers, data analysts, artificial intelligence specialists, and cybersecurity engineers will continue to drive recruitment demand in the technology sector.

Additionally, manufacturing and logistics companies will target hiring for roles like automation engineers, supply chain managers, and quality management specialists to meet the needs of process optimization while investing in the application of new technologies.

On December 25, 2024, Hanoi issued Plan No. 379/KH-UBND on supporting and developing the city’s labor market in 2025. The plan aims to create 169,000 jobs and reduce the urban unemployment rate to below 3 percent.

In the first quarter of 2025, enterprises are expected to need approximately 100,000 to 120,000 workers. Recruitment trends will vary across industries. Notably, sectors connected to trade and services are projected to see a significant hiring increase of around 20 percent compared to the prior period, primarily due to preparations for the Tet holiday peak. Meanwhile, roduction, processing, manufacturing, electronics, textiles, footwear, and construction industries are expected to see a hiring rise of about 10 to 15 percent, due to increased investment capital disbursement and production expansion.

Key Market Insights:

• High Demand for Skilled Professionals: The demand for skilled professionals, particularly in technology, engineering, and management, continues to outstrip supply. This is driving competition for top talent and pushing companies to adopt innovative recruitment strategies.
• Talent Retention is Crucial: With high job mobility, retaining skilled employees is becoming increasingly challenging. Companies need to focus on creating attractive compensation packages, fostering a positive work environment, and providing opportunities for career development to retain their best employees.
• Digital Skills are Essential: The digital transformation is accelerating across all industries, making digital skills a must-have for job seekers. Professionals with expertise in areas such as AI, data analytics, and cloud computing are highly sought after.
• Regional Variations: While Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi remain major job hubs, other industrial zones are also experiencing growth. This presents opportunities for job seekers willing to relocate and for companies seeking to tap into talent pools outside the major cities.

CGP Vietnam’s Expertise:

As a specialist recruitment agency, CGP Vietnam is well-equipped to navigate these market dynamics. Our consultant teams possess in-depth knowledge of their respective sectors, enabling us to effectively match top talent with leading companies. We understand the importance of a talent-first approach, and we work closely with both job seekers and employers to ensure successful placements and long-term career satisfaction.

Recommendations for Businesses:

• Prioritize Employer Branding: Build a strong employer brand to attract top talent in a competitive market.
• Invest in Talent Development: Provide opportunities for upskilling and reskilling to enhance employee retention and address skill gaps.
• Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work options to attract and retain a mobile workforce.
• Partner with a Specialist Recruitment Agency: Leverage the expertise of a recruitment agency like CGP Vietnam to navigate the complexities of the job market.

Source:
Vietnam Briefing: Vietnam’s 2025 Job Market: Opportunities and Challenges
CGP Vietnam: Vietnam & Vietnam & Southeast Asia Salary Trends 2025