Help, New Grad ASN with Job Hunting

[ikerr]

I live in San Jose, California. I just graduated nursing school in December of 2022. I have not taken my NCLEX yet. I scheduled my exam date on Feb 22, 2023. I gave myself a full 2 months to study and prepare for this exam so I can pass the first time. However, in the meantime, I have been applying for New Grad positions/residencies and I keep getting denied. I understand most hospitals don't accept interviews unless you are licensed but it is beyond frustrating when my nursing school professors say to apply now (before taking the NCLEX). I wish I can have a job lined up for me right now, but I am just going to focus on passing the NCLEX and apply to jobs after. I needed to vent. Any advice for new nurses, would be greatly appreciated.