In Vietnam’s increasingly competitive talent market—especially for mid- to senior-level positions—finding the right candidate has become a major challenge for many companies. Faced with two options: in-house recruitment vs. hiring a headhunter, the question often arises: Are headhunter services really expensive, or are they a worthwhile long-term investment?

1. The Cost of In-House Recruitment – Seemingly Cheap but with Hidden Expenses

Many companies assume that doing recruitment in-house saves money. In reality, the costs are often higher:

• Job ads & promotions: Posting on job portals, running ads on social media.
• Internal HR cost: HR staff spend extensive time screening, interviewing, and contacting candidates.
• Opportunity cost: While a position remains vacant, productivity drops and workflows stall.
• Hiring mistakes: The biggest hidden cost. A wrong hire often leaves within 3–6 months, wasting training resources and disrupting business performance.

Total in-house costs can far exceed initial estimates.

According to Ms. Pham Phuong Thu, Director of HR Services, NIC Global: “Many companies think headhunter fees are high. But when you account for the hidden costs of a bad hire—lost training, reduced productivity, and replacement within 3–6 months—the fee actually becomes much cheaper.”

2. The Cost of Headhunter Services – A Strategic Investment

Headhunter fees typically range from 15%–25% of the candidate’s first-year total compensation. While this may seem high, especially for executive-level roles, companies benefit from:

• Access to high-quality candidates – Headhunters maintain extensive databases, including senior talent rarely active on job boards.
• Professional screening – Saves time by presenting only the most suitable candidates.
• Faster hiring – Cuts time-to-hire by 30–50%.
• Replacement guarantee – Free candidate replacement if the hire leaves during probation.

From a financial perspective, this fee is less of a “cost” and more of an investment in hiring the right person for the right job.

3. Cost-Benefit Comparison: In-House vs. Headhunter

Clearly, the long-term costs of in-house hiring are often higher, despite seeming cheaper upfront.

4. Long-Term Effectiveness

The right hire is not just about filling a current vacancy—it creates long-lasting value for the company:

• Organizational stability – Lower turnover rates.
• Improved management capacity – Competent hires strengthen business operations.
• Competitive advantage – High-quality talent becomes a strategic asset.

Ms. Pham Phuong Thu emphasizes: “Headhunter services not only bring the right candidates today but also help businesses build a sustainable HR strategy. A right hiring decision creates long-term value, while a wrong one can cost billions of VND.”

Headhunter Services in Vietnam

So, are headhunter services expensive or cost-effective? The answer depends on perspective:

• In the short term, they may appear costly.
• But from a long-term efficiency standpoint, they are a wise investment—saving time, reducing risks, and maximizing performance.

In today’s talent-driven market, partnering with a trusted headhunter is the key to hiring the right people for the right roles and building a sustainable foundation for growth.

For contact and support:

Facebook: NIC Global – Human Resource Solutions
LinkedIn: NIC Global Sourcing JSC
Website: www.nicvn.com
Email: info@nicvn.com
Hotline: (+84) 981.23.43.76
Address:

• Hanoi Office: No. 3A Thi Sach, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Ho Chi Minh City Office: Dakao Center Building, 35 Mac Dinh Chi, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

See more:
Payroll service
Staffing service
EOR service