Q2/2025 Hiring Trends in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Survey

As we enter Q2/2025, the hiring landscape in Vietnam reveals contrasting dynamics: while businesses are expanding recruitment after a period of restructuring, job seekers are shifting toward more stable and sustainable work environments. NIC Global has compiled data from various sources to deliver an in-depth analysis of hiring trends by industry, job level, and region—as well as highlight new drivers and challenges in the recruitment process.

1. Overview of the Hiring Market in Q2/2025 hiring trends in Vietnam

According to a hiring trends survey conducted by NIC Global in collaboration with partners in the HR and recruitment industry, over 1,200 companies across multiple sectors shared their hiring and workforce restructuring plans for Q2/2025. Data collected from late March to mid-April 2025 shows:

• 57% of businesses plan to hire new employees this quarter, slightly up from 52% in Q1/2025.
  
• 21% aim to maintain their current workforce, focusing on internal training and performance optimization.
  
• 22% expect to downsize or implement hiring freezes.
  

Hottest Hiring Sectors

Industries with the most active hiring trends:

• Manufacturing & Processing: Leading with 68% of companies planning new hires, particularly in southern industrial zones.
  
• E-commerce & Logistics: Impressive growth in recruitment, driven by consumer demand and supply chain shifts.
  
• Information Technology (IT): While not booming like in 2023, stable demand continues in areas like software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity.
  
• Finance & Banking: Increased hiring in digital transformation, risk management, and digital sales roles.

Sectors with Stable or Declining Hiring Demand

Industries with steady or reduced recruitment activity:

• Real Estate: 61% of companies are maintaining or cutting headcount due to sluggish market liquidity.
  
• Tourism & Hospitality: Despite signs of recovery, new hiring remains cautious amid investor uncertainty.
  
• Private Education: Some institutions are reducing admin staff while focusing on hiring high-quality teaching talent. hiring trends in Vietnam
  

2. Key Drivers Behind Hiring Demand Shifts

Economic Growth and Government Support

Vietnam’s GDP grew an estimated 5.9% in Q1/2025, setting the stage for businesses to expand, especially in manufacturing, exports, and high-tech services.
Temporary corporate tax reductions and credit support for SMEs are also encouraging companies to scale their workforce.

Supply Chain Relocation Trends

The ongoing relocation of factories and operation centers to Vietnam—by major players like Apple, Bosch, and LEGO—is driving large-scale recruitment, particularly in industrial provinces like Bac Giang, Hai Phong, Binh Duong, and Long An. hiring trends in Vietnam

Impact of Digital Transformation & AI

Automation and AI are reshaping HR strategies across sectors. On one hand, this fuels demand for high-tech roles; on the other, it leads to a reduction in repetitive roles such as data entry and traditional customer support. hiring trends in Vietnam

Cost-Optimization Post-COVID and 2023 Crisis

Following financial strain and rising operational costs, many businesses are embracing a “do more with less” mindset, leading to:

• Organizational restructuring
  
• Role consolidation
  
• Preference for multi-skilled, adaptable employees
  

3. Most In-Demand Positions

4. Most Active Recruitment Regions

Vietnam’s labor market shows growth across all three regions, though with distinct differences:

Southern Region: Supply Chain & Manufacturing Hub

HCMC, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai continue to lead as industrial and logistics hubs, with strong demand for blue-collar workers, technicians, and experienced supply chain professionals.
Surging FDI, especially in electronics, semiconductors, and processed foods, is triggering massive hiring waves. hiring trends in Vietnam

Northern Region: Quality-focused Recruitment

Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Bac Giang show strong demand in engineering, IT, and high-tech manufacturing.
Northern industrial zones are seeing the expansion of factories from the U.S., Europe, and Japan. hiring trends in Vietnam

Central Region: Stable, Moderate Growth

Cities like Da Nang, Hue, and Quang Ngai are focusing on recruitment in services, IT, and tourism.
Though less dynamic than the north and south, the central region still shows steady job growth, thanks to regional stimulus policies.

5. Forecast & Strategic Recommendations for Q3/2025 hiring trends in Vietnam

For Employers:

• Reassess workforce planning based on skills rather than roles—prioritize retaining adaptable talent.
  
• Optimize costs through outsourcing, especially for businesses scaling up quickly or requiring flexibility.
  
• Invest in digital skills training and internal development to improve productivity and reduce reliance on external hiring.
  

For HR Managers:

• Continuously monitor labor market data to adjust salary budgets, benefits, and your Employer Value Proposition (EVP).
  
• Diversify recruitment channels by combining traditional job sites with platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Zalo.
  

For Job Seekers:

• Proactively upskill in digital literacy, AI, and project management.
  
• Be open to industry transitions, especially if your current sector is contracting.
  
• Build a strong personal brand to enhance competitiveness in the job market.