How long does it take to find a job for locals

[iwantgosingapura]

Hi,
I wonder how much time it would take for me to find a job in Singapore. Here is a list of background information:
1. I planed to be local. i.e. I would like to move there first and have a local address before I start applying. I 'd love to get an offer from overseas (in US) but I don't fancy it being "likely" at all.
2. My field is IT, more specifically, software. I have been technical for a long time but also had some management experiences. of course, I prefer to find management positions but I would not hesitate to be (another) senior developer.
3. Kind of extending from 2., I am definitely OK with local salary. I know this can be a huge pay cut but I will take whatever as long as it's reasonable locally.
4. I speak Mandarin, Hokkien and English. Because of my field, I am not sure this matters.
5. I asked specifically "how long" because I want to know how much money I need to save for the possible unemployment period.

Thanks in advance!

[durain]

with the current situation, it's going to be a very long time. it's not about how long you can find a job but more like is there any jobs for you. dont forget, you are fighting with the locals and they got good skills too. unless your skills are rocket science, biotech or open heart surgery doctor, it is not easy out there. not to put a dent to your dream but that's reality at the moment.

[iwantgosingapura]

"current situation" - is bad everywhere in the world (I may even guess it's worse in the United States?).
You mentioned "rocket science" etc. Are you being specific or it's only a figure of speech? Is software a relative better field (for jobs) in Singapore - like in most other markets?
BTW, what are the obstacles preventing me from competing with "locals". As I can imagine, I have had some solutions to the following:
1. Languages - unless Malay and Tamil are required, I already speak like the locals.
2. Physically in Singapore - I already will move to Singapore.
3. Salary requirement - I already prepare to take pay cut.
4. Immigration - this is the only thing I have no answers for.

I would think the number one issue is the current economy, instead how I compete with locals. I have 15 years of experiences in my field and I will just apply for jobs require this seniority. I don't imagine to get expat package or any other privileges, heck, I don't even see my self as an expat, I see myself as an immigrant.

[sundaymorningstaple]

No, you have got it all bass ackwards. The number one issue you have to contend with is you have to compete for the same job with a Singaporean. Singapore = Citizen. When times get tough, the country has to look out for a combination of it ability to produce and the ability to keep it's own citizens employed. If you want to see yourself as an immigrant then I would suggest going the LPR (Landed Permanent Resident) route. There you will be given a years to come here and find a job, any job, in order to get your PR. If they don't accept you for LPR then, you may well have to wait out the recession in your own country as most countries will try to protect their own first.

However, feel free to come here, spend you money searching for that elusive job that, while you may be well qualified for, my not be yours due to a tightening up of the Employment Pass criteria behind the scenes to which we are not privy to.