[Mamady]

I would say start applying 2 to 3 weeks before you move to SF. Most companies want their employees to start immediately - but realise that most have a 2 to 4 week "notice period" for their previous employer.

Apply more than 4 weeks in advance will just be a waste of time, most companies wont wait that long (unless your REALLY something special).

[evandavid]

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. Like I mentioned in my original post - it's so hard to keep a clear head looking in from the outside and seeing all the media reports etc.