Young workers struggle because of the requirement of "experience
Graduating from Pharmacy at the beginning of 2026, Nguyen Thi Minh Anh (23 years old, Vinh Long) faces difficulties in finding a job. Although the pharmaceutical industry is considered stable, she has applied to more than 6 pharmaceutical companies but only received feedback requesting experience or notices of temporary postponement of recruitment.
To avoid interruption, Minh Anh accepted an unpaid internship at a private pharmacy to accumulate experience.
Meanwhile, Tran Quoc Bao (24 years old, Hanoi City) is also facing similar pressure as the pharmaceutical recruitment market shows signs of stagnation. Graduating with honors, Bao hopes to soon find a job at a pharmaceutical manufacturing company. However, after many months of searching, he has not yet found a suitable position.
Some businesses I applied to announced a temporary suspension of recruitment or only prioritized experienced candidates. Meanwhile, positions for new graduates are very few" - Bao shared.
Not wanting to continue waiting, Bao actively adjusted his career direction. He is learning about pharmaceutical marketing and considering work related to drug business and distribution to expand opportunities.
Expert advice
The Vietnam Labor Market Bulletin for the first quarter of 2026, published by the Institute of State Organization and Labor Science (Ministry of Home Affairs), shows that the labor market forecast for the second quarter of 2026, the total number of employed people is estimated at about 52.9 million people, an increase of about 400,000 people compared to the first quarter of 2026.
Regarding industry trends, some sectors are forecast to increase recruitment demand compared to Q4/2025, such as production of beds, cabinets, tables, chairs up 2.5%; production of motor vehicles up 2.1%; beverage production up 1.6%. Conversely, some sectors recorded a downward trend in employment, including drainage and wastewater treatment down 0.19%; other mining down 0.16%; production of drugs, pharmaceuticals and medicinal materials down 0.06%.
In the context of shrinking recruitment demand, Mr. Pham Ngoc Toan, Director of the Center for Strategic Analysis and Forecasting (Ministry of Home Affairs), recommends that employees actively improve their skills. He believes that, first of all, it is necessary to re-determine their personal strengths to build job applications and prepare for interviews. Next, learn more practical skills such as using Google Workspace, advanced Excel, professional email writing and teamwork according to the business model, helping employees quickly adapt and attract employers.
