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APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SUPPORTING
CAREER ORIENTATION AND JOB PLACEMENT FOR GRADUATES
FROM VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Phuong Thi He (1)
Ho Chi Minh City Industry and Trade College
Email: phuongthihe@hitu.edu.vn
Tel: 0938.003.775
Dr. Tran Tuyen (2)
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education
ABSTRACT:
Amidst the ongoing digital transformation, vocational education in Vietnam is facing an
urgent need for comprehensive innovation, particularly in career orientation and job
placement for graduates. This paper focuses on analyzing the potential of artificial
intelligence applications in this domain and proposes several feasible solutions for
vocational institutions. Drawing on domestic and international research, the authors
introduce advanced AI tools such as VMock, Rezi, Jobscan, and Eightfold AI—widely
adopted globally—to assist students in resume writing, interview simulation, and labor
market connection. Based on a field survey conducted at Ho Chi Minh City Industry and
Trade College involving 50 lecturers and 410 students, the paper reveals a high level of
awareness and demand for AI in career orientation. However, gaps still exist in
competencies, technology adoption, and infrastructure. Accordingly, the study suggests
practical directions to gradually implement AI in supporting career services for students at
vocational education institutions.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence application, vocational education, career orientation, job
placement.
1. Introduction
Vocational education plays a central role in Vietnam’s strategy to develop a high-quality
workforce. According to the report by General Department of Vocational Education (2023),
there are currently over 1,900 vocational education institutions nationwide, with nearly 2
million learners each year. However, the rate of graduates securing employment that
matches their major and competencies remains relatively low. One contributing factor is the
fragmented and generic nature of career orientation and job placement services, which often
lack in-depth tools and personalized support tailored to individual learners.
In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key technological trend in
modern education, particularly in developed countries such as the United States, the United
Kingdom, and Singapore. AI is applied to design personalized learning pathways, analyze
skill gaps, suggest suitable job opportunities, and simulate interview scenarios—helping
students better prepare for entering the labor market (Eightfold AI, 2023; LinkedIn, 2023;
GovTech Singapore, 2022).
According to the National Council on Education and Human Resource Development (2021),
AI has initially been applied in Vietnam in areas such as automated grading, training
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management, and learning support via platforms like ChatGPT and Grammarly. However,
the integration of AI into career orientation and job placement for graduates—especially at
vocational institutions—remains a novel approach with no established models.
In response to this reality, this paper aims to analyze the potential of AI in orientation and
job placement for students at vocational education institutions in Vietnam. It also presents
survey findings conducted at Ho Chi Minh City Industry and Trade College and proposes
future directions for implementing AI at this college in particular and vocational institutions
in Ho Chi Minh City in general.
2. Global trends in applying artificial intelligence to vocational education
In the era of digital transformation, vocational education systems worldwide are shifting
from mass-based training models to personalized, technology-integrated approaches in order
to meet the dynamic demands of the labor market. The OECD (2022) reported that
integrating AI into vocational education enhances learning experiences, improves career
connectivity, and boosts learner productivity.
In developed countries such as the United States and across Europe, various AI-driven
platforms have been widely deployed to support career orientation. Notable examples
include:
Eightfold AI: Utilizes AI to analyze learners' competencies and skills, recommending
suitable career paths and skill development plans (Eightfold AI, 2023).
LinkedIn Talent Insights: Provides real-time labor market analysis, helping learners identify
potential careers and detect existing skill gaps (LinkedIn, 2023).
Coursera Career Coach: Integrates intelligent career counseling systems to suggest suitable
courses aligned with learners’ career aspirations (Coursera, 2023).
In Southeast Asia, Singapore and Malaysia are among the pioneers in applying AI in
vocational education. Specifically:
Singapore has developed the Student Learning Space (SLS) platform in collaboration with
the Ministry of Education and GovTech, using AI to personalize learning pathways and skill
development for students (GovTech Singapore, 2022).
Malaysia, through cooperation with Amazon Web Services (AWS), has launched an AI
training program for vocational students to build a future-ready workforce (AWS, 2023).
In Vietnam, the application of AI in vocational education is still in its early stages. While
some institutions have begun using AI tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly for training
management and learning support, there remains a lack of concrete models applying AI in
career orientation (General Department of Vocational Education, 2023). According to Vu
The Viet & Nguyen Quoc Tuan (2023), vocational institutions in Vietnam must quickly
update AI trends and combine technology with human counseling to develop intelligent
vocational education ecosystems aligned with sustainable development goals.
3. AI-powered tools for career orientation and job placement support for students
In a rapidly changing labor market, AI-powered tools are increasingly favored for
supporting learners in identifying career paths, improving job application documents, and
simulating real-world recruitment scenarios. The following are some notable AI tools that
have been widely adopted globally:
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AI tools
Key functions
VMock
Assesses student resumes based on international standards;
provides instant feedback and suggestions for improvement
(VMock, 2023).
Jobscan
Compares resumes with specific job descriptions and
recommends adjustments to enhance relevance (Jobscan, 2023).
Rezi
Automatically creates and optimizes resumes tailored to
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by employers (Rezi,
2023).
Eightfold AI
Analyzes skills, experience, and career goals to suggest suitable
job positions (Eightfold, 2023).
LinkedInAI
Tools
Recommends skill improvements, learning opportunities, and
matching job positions based on users’ LinkedIn profiles
(LinkedIn, 2023).
HireVue
Simulates interviews using video and AI to analyze voice, facial
expressions, body language, and content (HireVue, 2023).
These tools can be categorized into three core functional groups:
(1) Resume optimization: VMock, Jobscan, Rezi
(2) Competency analysis and career orientation: Eightfold AI, LinkedIn
(3) Interview simulation and skill enhancement: HireVue
The use of these tools not only saves time for students but also significantly increases their
chances of securing interviews, particularly in highly competitive environments.
According to a study by the University of California (2022), students who used VMock,
Rezi, and Jobscan were over 40% more likely to be invited to interviews and pass ATS
resume screenings compared to those who did not use these tools. This indicates that AI not
only provides technical support but also significantly enhances real employment
opportunities.
At Stanford University (USA), students using Rezi improved their interview invitation rate
by 42% compared to the control group who did not use the platform (Stanford Career
Center, 2022).
In Singapore, the Student Learning Space platform, developed by the Ministry of Education
and GovTech, has helped over 90% of students improve their career skills through a
personalized learning pathway (GovTech Singapore, 2022).
A study from the University of Oxford (UK) found that 67% of students using VMock felt
more confident when applying for jobs, and 58% reported that their CVs met ATS standards
after being reviewed and revised based on system suggestions (Oxford AI Careers Report,
2023).
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HireVue has been adopted by Fortune 500 companies to automate video interview
screening, helping reduce recruitment costs by 25–40% (HireVue, 2023). For example,
Deloitte piloted HireVue in graduate recruitment in the UK, resulting in a 60% reduction in
candidate screening time and a 35% improvement in the accuracy of assessing attitudes and
soft skills (Deloitte Recruitment Review, 2022).
According to Jobscan (2023), candidates who used the platform to optimize their CVs were
over 40% more likely to reach the interview stage compared to the general average.
Additionally, a report by Eightfold AI (2023) stated that the platform helped shorten job
search time by 35% for students at its partner universities.
These practical statistics demonstrate the clear effectiveness of AI tools in supporting career
guidance and job placement.
4. A field survey and orientation for AI application at Ho Chi Minh City Industry and
Trade College
To assess the levels of awareness, experience, and demand regarding AI applications in
education and career orientation, the research team conducted a survey in early May 2025.
The respondents included 50 lecturers (serving as academic advisors and subject-matter
instructors) and 410 final-year students from various faculties at Ho Chi Minh City Industry
and Trade College.
The lecturers’ questionnaire comprised 12 items, while the students’ questionnaire had 13
items. Both were structured around three practical dimensions and utilized a 5-point Likert
scale (1 = Strongly disagree to 5 = Strongly agree). The survey was administered online via
Google Forms. The results are as follows:
4.1. Survey results form lecturers
Table 1: Lecturers’ awareness of AI and its application in career orientation
No.
Survey statements
Strongl
y
disagree
(%)
Disagre
e (%)
Neutral
(%)
Agre
e (%)
1
I have a basic understanding
of artificial intelligence (AI).
2
0
24
44
2
I believe AI can be effective
in supporting career
orientation.
0
2
20
42
3
AI can save time for
lecturers in career
counseling activities.
0
6
18
44
4
AI can fully replace the role
of lecturers in the future.
42
30
14
2
5
I value AI’s role in
personalizing career
0
6
26
40
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orientation.
The data in Table 1 and the above chart show that lecturers have a relatively positive
perception of AI in the context of career guidance. Specifically, 74% indicated they have
basic knowledge of AI, and 78% believed that AI can effectively support career counseling.
Furthermore, 76% agreed that AI helps save time, highlighting the perceived utility and
efficiency of this technology.
Notably, 68% acknowledged AI’s potential in personalizing career guidance—one of AI’s
core advantages over traditional methods. However, 72% disagreed with the notion that AI
could fully replace human lecturers, indicating a cautious attitude and a balanced view of
the interplay between technology and human factors in education.
Table 2: Lecturers’ experience using AI in career guidance
No.
Survey statements
Strongly
disagree
(%)
Disagree
(%)
Neutral
(%)
Agree
(%)
Strongly
agree
(%)
1
I have used AI tools
for resume writing or
interview preparation.
30
16
20
14
20
2
I feel confident
guiding students in
using AI.
6
10
52
22
10
3
I have participated in
AI-related
training/workshops.
34
10
20
18
18
0
10
20
30
40
50
Basic understanding of
AI
AI effectively supports
career orientation
AI helps save time AI replaces lecturers AI personalizes career
orientation
Chart 1: Lecturers’ awareness of AI in career orientation
Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree