Job seekers interview at the UEH Sharing & Giving – Career Fair in HCM City on March 30. — Photo courtesy of the University of Economics HCM City

HCM CITY — Job recruitment is forecast to rise across sectors in the second quarter, especially in manufacturing, according to ManpowerGroup Vietnam.

Võ Thị Bích Thủy, regional manager-south of permanent recruitment & consulting services at the recruitment firm, said this year the highest demand for skilled workers has been in manufacturing (38 per cent), followed by financials and real estate, consumer goods and services, and IT.

The IT sector is frantically seeking highly skilled and experienced professionals to spearhead digital transformation and new technological initiatives though demand for young professionals and fresh graduates has weakened.

Nguyễn Thị Thu Thanh, her northern counterpart, said businesses are evaluating market conditions and economic indicators before deciding to increase their headcount and prioritise upskilling and reskilling their current workforce over hiring new employees.

The latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey reveals a strengthened hiring outlook across the Asia Pacific for the second quarter, with the net employment outlook of 30 per cent representing an increase of 3 points compared to both the previous quarter and Q2 last year.

The survey, which gathered data from over 10,078 employers across seven APAC countries and territories, indicates a growing confidence in the region’s labour market as businesses look to expand and invest in talent.

The top reason for staffing increases is company expansion followed by new ventures requiring new roles and tech advancements needing more expertise.

Career fair

The University of Economics HCM City organised its annual UEH Sharing & Giving – Career Fair from March 24-30 with more than 5,000 job vacancies on offer for students, fresh graduates and skilled workers.

Taking part were more than 60 leading companies in banking – finance – insurance, securities, accounting, auditing, consulting, consumer goods, food, technology, e-commerce, construction – real estate, trade, import – export, logistics,  manufacturing, and energy.

Candidates had the opportunity to interact and interview and obtain information about the job market, career trends and internship opportunities.

This year, the event solicited VNĐ7.5 billion (US$293,000) from enterprises to fund scholarships for talented students, expansion of international networks, transfers of scientific knowledge, and projects for the development of the community. — VNS