Contract Talent: A Smart Strategy in a Sluggish Hiring Market

As hiring slows across many industries, both employers and job seekers are looking for new ways to stay productive, relevant, and forward-moving. One option gaining serious traction? Contract talent.

A recent global study by Remote found that 52% of companies have increased their use of contract professionals over the past three years, largely as a way to manage costs and avoid the delays and constraints of full-time hiring. Contract professionals are being brought in to handle everything from product launches to creative campaigns, particularly in areas like tech, digital marketing, engineering, and customer support.

But this isn’t just a cost-cutting measure. Nearly three-quarters of employers say these professionals bring valuable experience that helps upskill their internal teams. Many companies now integrate temporary talent into their HR systems and treat them as trusted collaborators rather than one-off resources.

On the talent side, contract roles offer an opportunity to stay sharp, build your portfolio, and earn income—especially for experienced professionals exploring more flexible work or in-between roles. Interestingly, the fastest-growing segment of contract professionals is workers aged 55 and older, many of whom bring deep expertise and reliability to the table.

At RJM Technologies, we’ve always supported both traditional hiring and contract-based work. For companies, contract professionals offer a low-risk, high-value solution during uncertain times. And for candidates, contract roles can be a powerful bridge—or even a preferred career path.

If you’d like to explore this route—whether you’re hiring or looking—we’re here to help. Contact us today.