Singapore - Contract HR jobs are set to rise this year as a result of the recession and HR professionals are advised to embrace the benefits short-term contracts bring.

Joanne Chua, manager for Robert Walters' human resources specialist recruitment division, predicts the percentage of contract HR staff to reach between 15% and 20% in 2009. While there is a gradual increase of HR professionals, especially those who are looking for more work flexibility, finding acceptance in contract roles, there still exists a stigma of being a job hopper.

Although Chua understands why, she feels HR professionals should consider the diverse experience that contract roles bring. "They need to look at contract opportunities as giving them the variety and exposure to projects and roles that they may not have actually done as a permanent employee."

Besides broadening one's career horizon, contract HR staff gets more time off. Chua says, "If you do not have contract obligations, you can actually do this contract role for six months, take a holiday and come back again."

While positions offered include data management and even strategic responsibilities, some companies would also hire HR professionals as external consultants. Chua says this usually occurs when the companies have budget or headcount restriction but need help in organisation restructuring.

Contract jobs usually last between six to 12 months and HR professionals can expect a monthly wage ranging from $4,000 to $10,000. Depending on the hirer's company policy or empathy, full time benefits are also available for certain contract roles. If the contractor is under a vendor's payroll, Chua says there would be a standard set of benefits given, although it might sometimes be lesser than what a permanent staff gets.

Furthermore, if the HR contractor performs well during his time with the company, Chua says he or she may eventually be rewarded with a full time contract when the economy picks up.