The paradox of “jobs without people and people without jobs” is becoming a tough puzzle for Vietnam’s economy in 2026. With 1.4 million young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), what is the root cause? Featured on Nguoiduatin News, Ms. Trang Dam – CEO of TalentsAll Global, dissected the fierce market realities and provided solutions for the modern labor force.
1. “Voluntary Unemployment” – The Consequence of Supply-Demand Mismatch
The 2026 labor market is witnessing a concerning trend: a sharp misalignment between worker expectations and corporate realities.
1.1. FDI Enterprises Hunger for High-Tech Talent
From the perspective of a leading FDI recruitment consultant, TalentsAll observes that many businesses are facing severe shortages in core sectors: IT, AI, Semiconductors, Automation, and Manufacturing Engineering. These fields require long-term training and practical experience—areas where young Vietnamese talent often falls short.

1.2. The Barrier of Waiting for the “Perfect Job”
According to CEO Trang Dam, the phenomenon of “voluntary unemployment” is on the rise. Many young professionals choose to pause their careers to wait for opportunities with higher pay and better benefits rather than accepting entry-level positions that do not meet their immediate expectations. This inadvertently creates a significant “gap year” in their professional profiles.
2. An Executive Search Perspective: When Degrees Are No Longer a Guarantee
Echoing the views of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Nam in the article, TalentsAll asserts that a university degree is no longer an absolute guarantee for a position at multinational corporations.

2.1. Insights from MNC Employers: Seeking “Psychological Capital”
As an Executive Search Firm, TalentsAll understands that MNCs (Multinational Corporations) do not just hire based on technical skills. They look for candidates with strong “psychological capital”: the ability to manage emotions, handle pressure, and possess an Ownership mindset. These are the specific gaps that Gen Z often encounters when entering a professional environment.
2.2. Global Mindset – The Key to Breaking the “Stability Trap”
To survive the professional maze, candidates must equip themselves with a Global Mindset. This goes beyond English proficiency; it is about understanding international “rules of the game,” practicing structured communication, and maintaining an Output-driven mindset.
3. Solutions from TalentsAll: A Sustainable Bridge Between Talent and Business
As experts in connecting talent with international enterprises, TalentsAll proposes a roadmap for young people to escape the “NEET” status:
3.1. Strategic Consulting for Candidates: Maintain a “Working Rhythm”
CEO Trang Dam advises candidates not to stay out of the market for too long. Engaging in real-world projects, internships, or roles adjacent to your ultimate goal helps maintain your professional momentum and ensures you don’t fall behind the rapid pace of technological change.
3.2. Partnering with Businesses: Attracting Talent Through Real Value
TalentsAll does more than just help candidates find jobs; we consult for businesses on building salary scales and career roadmaps that appeal to young talent. Our deep understanding of insights from both sides allows TalentsAll to create the most sustainable and effective connections.
4. Conclusion: Turning Challenges into a Career Breakthrough in 2026
The figure of 1.4 million young people out of school and work is a sign that we need a profound re-orientation. Unemployment isn’t always about a lack of effort; sometimes, it’s because you haven’t found the right bridge to shine.
Read CEO Trang Dam’s full analysis on Nguoiduatin News
TALENTSALL VIETNAM – Talents for All, All for Talents
- Hotline: +84 94 421 18 08
- Email: trang@talentsall.com.vn
