Vietnam Is No Longer a “Low-Cost Market”

Founder’s Note – INT | International Talent Agent
When INT first began supporting international companies entering Vietnam, almost every conversation started with the same question:

“How much cheaper is Vietnam compared to Singapore or China?”

Today, that question rarely comes up.
And that change says everything about how Vietnam’s talent market has evolved.
Vietnam is no longer viewed as a low-cost alternative. It is increasingly recognized as a strategic talent destination — and that is exactly why we chose to invest here.

Vietnam’s Real Value: From Cost-Driven Hiring to Strategic Capability

Over the past few years, I’ve personally worked with founders, CEOs, and regional leaders seeking recruitment solutions in Vietnam. What they are truly looking for today is not cost-driven hiring, but reliable talent capable of delivering at a global standard.

The numbers reinforce what we see on the ground:

• A Technical Powerhouse
  Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries worldwide for engineering graduates, supplying a deep and growing pool of technical talent.
• A Rapidly Expanding Digital Economy
  With Vietnam’s digital economy projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2025, demand has shifted from basic outsourcing to roles requiring critical thinking, innovation, and ownership.
• Language Skills & Learning Agility
  Improving English proficiency, strong work ethics, and high adaptability make Vietnamese professionals well-suited for cross-border and multicultural environments.

Vietnam’s value today lies in capability, not cost efficiency alone.

The Mistake Global Leaders Still Make When Hiring in Vietnam

Despite this evolution, many companies continue to approach hiring in Vietnam with an outdated mindset — assuming candidates are primarily motivated by compensation.

This is where many recruitment strategies fall short.

Vietnamese professionals, especially at mid-senior and leadership levels, have matured faster than most hiring models. Recent market insights show that over 70% of senior candidates prioritize company culture, growth opportunities, and leadership quality over base salary alone.

If your recruitment process focuses only on compensation and ignores vision, respect, and long-term development, top-tier candidates will disengage — quietly and quickly.

Why Talent Is No Longer “Hired” — It Is Chosen

In today’s Vietnam recruitment landscape, the best candidates are not actively job-hunting. They are selectively choosing their next growth partner.

This is particularly true for high-performing professionals who value:

• Autonomy & Trust
  A move away from rigid structures and excessive micro-management.
• Cultural Alignment
  Confidence that global strategies can be executed effectively within the local context.
• Long-Term Commitment
  Avoiding organizations with unclear direction or consistently high turnover.

Hiring in Vietnam has become a two-way evaluation — and companies are being assessed just as carefully as candidates.

How INT Bridges the Gap in the Vietnamese Talent Market

INT was never built to simply “fill positions.”
We exist to serve as a strategic talent partner, helping international companies accurately interpret and navigate the Vietnam talent market.

In an environment where demand for specialized talent exceeds supply by nearly 25%, our role is to help you:

• Understand Candidate Psychology
  Moving beyond job descriptions to craft compelling value propositions.
• Optimize Hiring Cycles
  Identifying cultural and leadership fit early to reduce mis-hires and long-term attrition.
• Local Expertise, Global Standards
  Combining deep market knowledge in Vietnam with international recruitment practices and expectations.

We don’t just connect companies with candidates — we align ambition, culture, and execution.

Is Your Hiring Strategy Ready for Vietnam?

If you are expanding your business, don’t just ask about cost efficiency in Vietnam.
Ask about the value of talent.

Vietnam is ready.
The talent is here.

The real question is whether your hiring approach is ready to compete for the best.

Ready to Build Your Team in Vietnam?

Contact INT ([email protected]) to discover how we identify, attract, and secure the talent others miss.