The labor market outlook for 2025 is set to witness considerable changes compared to previous years, largely driven by technological advancements and economic evolution. With the increasing necessity for innovation, businesses are prioritizing investments in research and development (R&D) and new technologies, aiming to stay competitive and align with market trends.
According to Ngô Thị Ngọc Lan, the Northern Regional Director of Navigos Search, many companies are focusing on sales roles to boost their operations after the Tet holiday. "The labor market after the Tet holiday may face local staffing shortages as many workers tend to leave for new opportunities," she noted. This trend indicates heightened competition for jobs as employees seek positions with more appealing terms.
Sales positions are consistently at the forefront of recruitment needs, as reflected in annual surveys conducted by Navigos Group. Increasing demand for personnel across sectors such as technology, retail, and logistics also emerges, with banks emphasizing the hiring of customer relations specialists.
Notably, the demand for customer service roles has risen, ranking among the top three positions companies intend to fill. The emergence of noticeable growth areas, particularly within foreign investment frameworks, emphasizes the anticipated needs for skilled workers within production sectors.
Nevertheless, the transition to 2025 is not without significant hurdles. A forecast by the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report suggests structural changes could lead to the loss of 8% of existing jobs, approximately 92 million positions, even as around 14% of new jobs may come to light, totaling close to 170 million opportunities. The expert consensus highlights the rapid evolution of roles centered on AI, networks, cybersecurity, and technology, proving the necessity for candidates to be adept at problem-solving, adaptable, and proficient with analytical thinking.
Ngọc Lan indicated, "Employers are prioritizing candidates with problem-solving skills and effective communication." This shift echoes the trends seen across many industries establishing increased competition, especially concerning job roles with substantial investment potential, such as AI development.
Despite the mounting competition for roles, the labor market retains distinct advantages and drawbacks. Vietnam harbors about 50.74 million individuals of working age, with Generation Y and Z accounting for nearly 65%, making the country particularly alluring to foreign investors, especially as many developed nations grapple with aging populations.
Such demographic benefits are perhaps overshadowed by the challenges of labor quality. While Vietnam upholds a large workforce, the lack of high-level qualifications hinders its competitive edge. The World Bank ranks Vietnam near the bottom among Asian countries for labor quality, which poses recruitment difficulties for businesses seeking to fill high-skilled positions, particularly massive industries relying on advanced technologies.
Looking forward, the recruitment strategies employed by companies will likely experience significant transformations. The trend is moving away from hiring vast quantities of entry-level employees with basic skill requirements. Instead, businesses now prefer candidates with higher qualifications who meet stricter criteria, driven primarily by the need to control costs, particularly wages, to remain competitive within the market.
To navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities of 2025, candidates must proactively update their skills, broaden their job search methods, and be ready to adapt themselves to the ever-evolving labor market. With the employment environment becoming increasingly complex and competitive, the onus is on job seekers to equip themselves adequately for the challenges and potentials the future holds.