Singapore - Cautious with hiring budgets during these tough economic times, more HR professionals are propositioning job candidates with offers of contract or "temp to perm" roles.

Tüv Süd Asia Pacific's senior vice president of regional human resources Kok Ee Lan finds hiring contract staff or "temp to perm" an attractive proposition because it gives HR some flexibility. "We want to size up if an individual fits the role or when the business finally has a need for that role after a certain period."

Furthermore, with the current economic situation rendering most companies cautious when it comes to increasing headcount, Kok says hiring contractors allows overworked teams to take a breather. Pegging the resources to the business needs in such a way will only help lengthen the organisation's sustainability in the long run, explains Kok. "Within the year if the business doesn't pick up, I can drop the staff [on] a one-year contract. If the business picks up, I can flex my resource with the business needs."

But it is a difficult message to send during good economic times, she adds, as most people are unlikely to quit their permanent jobs for a temporary position albeit with slightly higher pay. Having recently hired a middle management talent on a contract basis for HR, Kok believes candidates' expectations are much easier to manage now, compared to early last year.

Previously even with the help of head-hunters, Kok had struggled to fill a regional management position which came with a substantial compensation package. "But now, people's expectations are lower and there are no jobs so a temp job is better than nothing."

The only difference for her is the need to be "a bit more careful" with money and resources when hiring. But the calibre of contract staff still has to be high. "In terms of selection criteria, it remains the same. You need to be very thorough."