Basically the economy is pretty stuffed at the moment. If you have a unique skill you'll get work ... otherwise the govt etc is pushing 'employ S'poreans first' ...

Re: visa ... you need to have a job offer / sign contract / they apply for your EP (employment pass) you arrive on tourist visa / company takes you to get your EP ... they pay

Or you come on tourist visa / get job here / then apply for PPE (Personal Employment Pass) ... you pay

It all comes down to getting a job ... would suggest that websites etc not much chop at the moment ie. people aren't randomly looking to hire.

I made contact with the company I wanted to work for ... made friends ... came for a 'work related' visit ie. on behalf of my previous company ... let it be known that I would be interested in moving ... worked out they needed my specific skills ahead of time ... then went back home and waited for a job offer ... which came about 3 months later ... it took around another 2-3 months to get visa / EP, medical etc sorted and start date ...

I was very lucky ... I had a specific skill and put in the interest prior to the crash so my position was already being processed ... my company now has a hiring freeze on ...

Would suggest you go via industry contacts ... always the best way