Why Contract Work Could Be Your Smartest Career Move Yet

Looking to gain experience, grow your network and keep momentum in your career? With the job market shifting, contract and project-based work are opening more doors than ever. Far from being “filler,” these roles can give you an edge, helping you stay active, build skills and even land opportunities you didn’t expect.

So, if you’ve ever brushed off a contract role as “just temporary,” it’s time to rethink. Here’s why we believe these opportunities can be intentional, strategic and full of upside for you and your career.

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Why consider contract work right now?

The job market in Canada is shifting. Some employers are hiring cautiously, while others are leaning more heavily on flexible, short-term roles. This means that increasingly, many employers are open to candidates with non-traditional experience (i.e., contract/gig work, volunteer experience etc.), provided they can effectively talk about what they learned through past experience and how it applies to the role they’re applying to.

Read on for tips on landing your next great contract role.

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Contract work: Small commitment, big payoff

Contract jobs move quickly. While a full-time posting might take months to fill, you can land a contract or project-based position within weeks of applying. That means income in your pocket and experience on your resumé right away.

But the real benefits go even deeper:

1. Accelerated skill growth

Contract roles fast-track your learning. By working on different projects, in varying industries and with all kinds of technologies, you’ll build skills at a pace that’s often faster than you would in a single, long-term role. ‍

• ‍Interview answer: “In my contract with [Company], I delivered [specific project], which improved [process/result]. It gave me hands-on experience with [tool/skill] that I now bring to future roles.”

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2. Stronger resumé and portfolio

Each project adds something tangible to your resumé, whether it’s a new software implementation, a campaign launch or a process improvement. These achievements add diversity to your portfolio and give you clear success stories to share in interviews.  ‍

• ‍Resumé template: “Delivered [project] on a [timeline/budget], strengthening skills in [skill/tool] and achieving [outcome].”

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3. Access to a growing market

Non-permanent work is no longer niche. One in five Canadians is employed on contract or doing project-based work (Statistics Canada), and organizations increasingly depend on contractors to fill skills gaps and help move key initiatives forward.

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4. Career flexibility

Contract work lets you design your career around your life. You can take breaks between roles, explore different industries or company cultures and adapt to changing circumstances—all without locking into a long-term commitment.

• ‍Interview script: “One thing I’ve learned from contract work is how to adapt. Every team has its own tools, processes and culture, and I’ve consistently been able to get up to speed and contribute right away.”

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5. Expanded professional network

Each contract introduces you to new colleagues, leaders and clients. These connections often lead to referrals, recommendations or even your next opportunity. Over time, you’ll build a reputation as someone who can deliver results and add value quickly.

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6. A bridge through career transitions

Contracts are especially helpful when you’re in transition, whether re-entering the workforce, shifting industries or filling a gap between permanent jobs. They keep your resumé active and demonstrate to employers that you’ve stayed engaged.

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7. Fresh perspective on your career

Short-term roles can be energizing. They give you the chance to reset, step into new environments and rediscover what excites you about your work, all while adding depth and variety to your resumé and long-term career trajectory.

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‍Pro tip: Choose contracts strategically.

When reviewing contract opportunities, ask yourself:

• Will this role add a skill or tool to my resumé?
• Will it expand my network in the direction I want to grow?
• Could it lead to a permanent role or open doors in a new industry?

And here’s the bonus: many employers often use contracts as a pipeline to permanent hires. We've seen candidates step into a six-month project and end up with a full-time role they love.

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How to make it work for you: Quick tips

Students and new grads: Choose projects or contract roles that mirror the job you’re aiming for. It’s real experience that sets you apart.

Career changers: Use contracts to test-drive a new industry before committing long-term.

Those returning to work: Contracts can help rebuild confidence and help you re-establish your network.

Anyone seeking flexibility: Project-based work lets you stay in the market without locking into a 9-to-5, M-F schedule.

Pro tip: If you’re worried a short-term project isn’t “enough,” frame it like this:
“I contracted with [Organization], leading [project]. That role built my confidence in [skill], gave me practical experience with [tool], and connected me with professionals in [industry].”

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Explore 10 contract roles we’re hiring for right now

Curious about what contract work could look like for you? Here’s a snapshot of some of the exciting opportunities we’re currently hiring for across Canada. From HR and finance to project management and healthcare, these roles show the variety, flexibility and career-building potential that contract work offers.

1. HR Generalist (6-month contract, Hybrid – Toronto, ON)

Join a leading financial services firm to oversee recruitment, employee relations and key HR projects, including HRIS upgrades. This role blends hands-on HR work with strategic impact, offering variety and visibility across the organization.

2. Payroll Administrator (6-month contract – Mississauga / Hybrid)

Keep payruns flowing smoothly for a busy operations team — managing payroll processing, reconciliations and responding to employee inquiries. You’ll get exposure to Canada-wide payroll rules and systems, making this a great contract role for someone detail-oriented who wants stability and real impact week to week.

3. Bookkeeper / Receptionist (3-month contract-to-perm – North York, ON)

This hands-on role blends bookkeeping (AP / AR, payroll, Excel reporting) with front-desk duties in a growing construction firm. Fully onsite in North York, you’ll help maintain financial operations, support sales and step in around the reception when needed — great variety if you like wearing multiple hats and seeing real impact fast.

4. Accounting Analyst (Temp-to-Perm – Hybrid, Mississauga, ON)

Support financial reporting and analysis: prep forecasts, reconcile daily cash, manage fixed assets and help leadership make sense of trends and variances. Great fit if you enjoy detail work, have 2+ years in accounting and want an opportunity that could go permanent.

5. Translator / Revisor (Contract – Remote / Ottawa-ON)

Join a scientific research organization to translate and revise English→French materials like reports, newsletters, social media content, presentations and more. You’ll manage external translators, maintain terminology records and help streamline processes. A solid fit if you bring 6+ years of sci-academic translation, strong bilingual skills and love balancing precision with project variety.

6. Administrative Assistant (Contract – Hybrid, North Vancouver, BC)

Support the CTO of a retail-tech team for two months (with possible extension), managing calendars, travel (both domestic & international), meeting logistics and preparing presentation materials. This hybrid role (2-3 days on site/week) is ideal if you thrive in fast-paced environments, juggle priorities well and appreciate being close to leadership.

7. Donations Processing Clerk (2-month contract – On-site, Vancouver, BC)

Be part of a non-profit’s front lines this holiday season — process donations, manage donor data in Raiser’s Edge and support administrative tasks in downtown Vancouver. If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy fast-paced days and want to contribute to fundraising impact, this is a great short-term gig that matters.

8. Bilingual Claims Examiner (Contract – Remote / Ontario)

Review and assess insurance claims in both English and French, verifying documentation, interviewing claimants and ensuring compliance. Great role if you’re detail-oriented, bilingual and happy working independently while making a direct impact in resolving claims.

9. AML Analyst (Contract – On-site, London, ON)

Join a professional services team to help power their anti-money laundering efforts from October through December. You’ll do transaction monitoring, enhanced due diligence, regulatory reporting and get exposure to tools like Actimize or Refinitiv. If you care about compliance, detail and making a difference, this one’s for you.

10. Scheduling Coordinator (2-month contract – On-site, Markham, ON)

Join a healthcare team to manage schedules for Instructor Therapists (full- & part-time), coordinate staff coverage and assist with payroll & expense tasks. You’ll work early morning shifts, help balance last-minute absences and collaborate across sites — ideal if you thrive under pressure and in roles that keep things moving.

Explore more open roles on our Job Portal here.

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How to make an impact as a contract employee

Landing the contract role is just the beginning. To set yourself up for what comes next, follow these tips:

• Deliver results quickly. Employers bring in contractors to move projects forward fast, so aim to show them you can hit the ground running.

• Be adaptable: Demonstrate that you can thrive in different systems, cultures and industries.

• Document your wins: Keep a record of your achievements, so you can share clear, measurable examples of success in future interviews.

• Build relationships: Connections matter. Take the time to collaborate and leave a positive impression with colleagues. You never know who will be able to help you get your next role.

• Exceed expectations: Look for ways to add value, whether it’s sharing insights or suggesting improvements.

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How to ask if the role can become permanent

Not every contract will lead to a full-time job, but some do. If you’re interested, approach the conversation with intention:

• Prove your value first. Give yourself a few weeks to showcase your skills and contributions before raising the question.

• Frame it strategically. Try asking, “If this role were to open as a permanent position, what skills or qualities would you look for?”

• Express long-term interest. Highlight how your goals and values align with the organization.

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Why work with Altis for contract opportunities

Our recruiters connect professionals at every stage of their career with meaningful contract roles across Canada’s top industries. Many of these roles are never advertised; we are able to offer them based on our long-standing relationships with over 2,900 clients nationwide. Most importantly, with deep knowledge of the Canadian labour market, our team helps you stand out every step of the way, from resumé to interview.

Explore our current contract opportunities on our Job Portal and see how a short-term role can have a lasting impact on your career.

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10 professional development books we’re loving this fall

While you explore new opportunities, here are a few reads that inspire fresh perspectives:

1. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant

Encourages letting go of fixed ideas, embracing curiosity and adapting your thinking — especially useful in a shifting job market.

Get it on Amazon here.

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2. The New Rules of Work by Alexandra Cavoulacos & Kathryn Minshew
Practical advice for navigating modern careers: how to find opportunities, apply well, network and grow. Excellent if you're refreshing your job search or thinking about contract/project work.

Get it on Amazon here.

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3. The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis
Reframes career growth beyond the “ladder,” offering practical tools and exercises to help you navigate change, build transferable skills and design a path that fits your strengths and values.

Get it on Amazon here.

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4. Cultivating Career Growth: Navigate Career Exploration and Job Searching with Clarity and Confidence by Michelle Schafer
Focuses on career exploration, transitions and job searching, which align well with restarting or reorienting your path.

Get it on Amazon here.

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5. Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success by Dr. Dawn Graham
Offers strategies to showcase transferable skills, rebrand yourself and land a role you’re truly passionate about.

Get it on Amazon here.

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6. The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael D. Watkins

A practical guide for stepping into new leadership roles, offering proven strategies to accelerate learning, build credibility and lead successfully through change.

Get it at Indigo here.

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7. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Timeless principles for improving communication, building stronger relationships and boosting both personal and professional success.

Get it at Indigo here.

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8. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick

Explores how AI can enhance creativity, productivity and decision-making, offering practical strategies to thrive alongside emerging technology.

Get it at Indigo here.

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9. Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career by Lorraine K. Lee

A practical guide to building confidence, influence and executive presence, with strategies to help you stand out, lead with authority and elevate your personal brand.

Get it on Amazon here.

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10. What it Takes: To Live and Lead with Purpose, Laughter and Strength by Zahra Al-harazi with Sarah J. Robbins

An inspiring memoir of resilience and reinvention, tracing her journey from war-torn Yemen to becoming one of Canada’s most influential business leaders.

Get it on Amazon here.

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Just so you know, these aren’t affiliate links. We don’t earn anything if you click through to Amazon or Indigo; we simply think these books are worth sharing.