In Cambodia, a country with a young and growing workforce, the job search journey still heavily relies on word of mouth, in-person referrals, or unstructured platforms like Facebook groups. While this has served many in the past, it leaves countless skilled job seekers and forward-thinking companies disconnected in today’s fast-moving labor market.
But change is not only possible—it’s already happening across Southeast Asia. Neighboring countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos offer valuable case studies that Cambodia can learn from. By studying their digital employment ecosystems, we can identify a roadmap to bring similar—or even better—experiences to Cambodia through platforms like WeJobs.
A Quick Look at the Numbers: How the Region is Moving Ahead
Vietnam
Vietnam’s digital job market has seen exponential growth over the last decade. As of 2024:
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VietnamWorks, one of the largest job portals, boasts over 5 million registered users and 12,000 employers.
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According to Navigos Group, over 60% of job seekers aged 18–35 use online job boards as their primary method for job hunting.
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Platforms are widely integrated with AI screening, skill assessments, and employer branding tools.
Thailand
Thailand has matured into a diverse employment market:
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JobThai and JobsDB Thailand report over 7 million active monthly users combined.
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As of a 2023 survey by JobsDB, 71% of employers said online job platforms are their preferred channel for recruiting new talent.
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Mobile optimization and instant messaging features make these platforms highly accessible even in remote provinces.
Laos
Despite being smaller in size, Laos is catching up:
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Platforms like 108.jobs have gained steady traction with over 80,000 job seekers.
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The government and NGOs have supported digital literacy programs to train youth to navigate online job boards.
Cambodia: Where Are We Now?
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Only about 20–25% of skilled laborers and urban professionals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap consistently use online job boards, according to an estimate by Open Development Cambodia.
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Facebook groups for jobs and informal referrals still dominate the scene, but they come with risks—fake jobs, scams, and lack of employer verification.
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Over 55% of Cambodia’s population is under 30, and nearly 40% are expected to move to urban centers in search of formal employment by 2030 (source: World Bank, 2022).
This massive youth shift presents an unmissable opportunity to digitize how Cambodia connects people with work.
How Can WeJobs Deliver a Better Experience?
To lead this transformation, WeJobs is not just building another job board—we’re building Cambodia’s first curated, digital-first hiring ecosystem. Here's how we can learn from our neighbors and tailor it to Cambodia's context:
1. Trust & Verification First
Platforms in Vietnam and Thailand offer verified job listings with transparent salary ranges and company reviews. WeJobs will:
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Verify employers and introduce a badge system to help job seekers identify trusted listings.
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Partner with NGOs or educational institutions to train job seekers on spotting fraudulent listings.
2. Digital-First Approach
With more than 60% of Cambodians accessing the internet via smartphones, this is extremely important.
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WeJobs provide a fast-loading, Khmer-friendly web application, allowing job alerts and applications in one tap.
3. Employer Branding Tools
Just like in Thailand, where employer branding has become a game changer:
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Cambodian companies can showcase their values, work culture, and employee benefits on WeJobs profiles.
4. Skill Matching & Digital Profiles
Platforms in Vietnam use algorithm-based matching. WeJobs is also:
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Introduce skills-based filters to suggest jobs that match experience and interests.
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Enable digital resumes with voice/video introductions for candidates with lower literacy.
5. Reach the Underserved
Rural workers, tradespeople, and recent grads need better access to jobs beyond word of mouth.
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WeJobs Community Ambassadors in provinces to teach people how to apply online.
🌍 The Future Is Local—and Digital
While it’s true that Cambodia still leans heavily on informal hiring channels, the tide is turning. With more young people moving to the cities and looking for skilled work, the demand for trustworthy, easy-to-use job platforms will only grow.
At WeJobs, we believe Cambodia doesn’t need to play catch-up—it can leap ahead by blending local realities with global best practices. We aim to empower both job seekers and employers to move beyond chance encounters and embrace a smarter, more connected future.
Sources:
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World Bank Cambodia Youth & Jobs Report (2022)
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Navigos Group Vietnam Recruitment Trends (2023)
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JobsDB Thailand Hiring Survey (2023)
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Open Development Cambodia – Internet Access and Labor Statistics
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Laos Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare – Digital Initiatives Report (2023)
