Volunteering is one of the best things you can do, in addition to networking. (I took the faculty's advice at orientation in nursing school and didn't work during school. Then in our last semester, some of my classmates who did work as PCTs, etc., were getting job offers before even graduating... I got really nervous. And started volunteering at a facility that actually wanted/needed nurses to be volunteers for their organization.) Putting that on my resume probably helped. But so did networking. I planned/budgeted to not begin work until 2-3 months after graduation to allow for NCLEX studying and job searching, and actually did mention that during an interview because it reflected planning and realistic expectations. Attending networking events is another (less direct) plus, but it does convey how serious you are about finding "the right fit". Best of luck to you!