TopCV predicts that the sectors in the highest recruitment demand in Vietnam in 2025 will be business/sales, IT/software, and marketing/communications/advertising, as well as customer service and human resources.

The report, titled "Developing Digital Talent in the Age of AI," highlighted that Vietnamese businesses are prioritizing the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in aforementioned three areas to optimize budgets and improve operational efficiency.

A Hanoi-based company uses the digital platform. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Some 3,000 organizations surveyed across industries believe their sectors can benefit from AI due to their repetitive tasks and consistent processes, making AI integration essential, especially in data-driven roles.

Adaptability is identified as a critical factor for workers to adapt to the AI era, while soft skills, especially critical thinking, creativity and strategic planning, which are less likely to be replaced by AI, are given the highest priority.

To meet the demand, Hanoi-based Viettel Al, a subsidiary of the Viettel Group, is looking for AI engineers, offering VND20 million (US$791) a month plus cash bonuses above $2,000 a year.

One Percent JSC, also in Hanoi, is offering salaries ranging from VND40 million to VND50 million (US$1,581 to $1,977) per month along with attractive allowances.

Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, banks and tech firms are competing for AI engineers, offering salaries ranging from VND20 million to VND25 million (US$791 to $988). Well-known companies are vying for top talent, according to recruitment agencies.

Recruitment challenges in 2025

Jobseekers attend a job fair in Hanoi. Photo: Tran Oanh/The Hanoi Times

The report indicated that business/sales will continue to be the top sector in need of talent in 2025. As many as 65.2% of the surveyed companies emphasized the necessity of sales activities and market growth to achieve their business objectives. Of the figure, 47.6% of respondents identified business/sales as their primary recruitment focus, particularly for candidates with two to three years of experience.

Meanwhile, the IT/software sector needs candidates with two to three years of experience, along with specialists possessing three to five years of expertise.

Additionally, marketing/communications/advertising, customer service, and human resources are in high recruitment demand.

According to TopCV's 2023-2024 recruitment market report, the business/sales sector's demand increased by 8.3%.

The report highlights also several stable sectors, including research and development (R&D), human resources, and education. The stability within the R&D sector is driven by an ongoing demand for innovation and product improvement in an increasingly competitive landscape. To boost competitiveness, companies are focusing on strengthening their R&D teams to maintain a skilled workforce and ensure long-term sustainable growth.

The human resources sector remains stable while the education sector maintains high stability due to its consistent societal needs.

In contrast, the business/sales sector experiences personnel fluctuations with high demands for digital business capabilities and the ability to handle pressure. The report by TopCV also identified language proficiency and intense competition among candidates as major barriers in the job search process. Job changes are no longer directly correlated with salary increases. “Many individuals are willing to accept lower pay when switching jobs. Therefore, workers should carefully consider potential income opportunities if they plan to change jobs in 2025,” it suggested.

The report noted that 53.3% of resigning workers and those facing layoffs belong to the non-IT sector, while 51.3% are from the IT/software sector, reflecting challenges in this sector over the past three years.

The IT/software sector continues to struggle with a shortage of skilled professionals, formed by fierce competition from major tech companies and startups providing good salaries and work environments.