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I had secured physical assessment internships in my final semester however due to a huge personal family tragedy had to leave everything to take care of my parents and therefore I wasn’t able to intern anywhere for the past 6-7 months and, in the meantime, unfortunately, the firms filled up the vacancies where I had secured assessment internships. It was easier for me to secure those internships but now I haven’t been able to get any positive response is it because of the gap in my CV, should I be mentioning the reason why I haven’t been able to intern anywhere in my cover letter.
Now, what should be my approach, should I ask Tier2/3 firms for long-term evaluation internships so that they get converted into a job, or is that even a thing directly asking for evaluation internships? Like If I was a student, I would have brought up the point of PPO in the final weeks of my internships, but now would it be appropriate to directly ask for assessment internships in my cover letter (like is that a reason I am not getting any positive response as compared to earlier).
Also, do firms have biases toward interns that have graduated and haven’t secured a job and do firms actively hire throughout the year? Basically, what should be my approach to securing a job at a decent firm. Any help/advice would be appreciated a lot.
Do not worry. Most internships are a hit-and-trial. If you didn't network then, that's completely cool. Just know that knowing people is important, though not the be all and end all of it.
I had secured physical assessment internships in my final semester however due to a huge personal family tragedy had to leave everything to take care of my parents and therefore I wasn’t able to intern anywhere for the past 6-7 months and, in the meantime, unfortunately, the firms filled up the vacancies where I had secured assessment internships. It was easier for me to secure those internships but now I haven’t been able to get any positive response is it because of the gap in my CV, should I be mentioning the reason why I haven’t been able to intern anywhere in my cover letter.
You can mention the reason. Good employers (the ones you'd want to work with) will be considerate and understand that. We learn a lot through grief and taking responsibility for our lives. Mention that. Good people will understand.
Now, what should be my approach, should I ask Tier2/3 firms for long-term evaluation internships so that they get converted into a job, or is that even a thing directly asking for evaluation internships?
As a final year student, it's perfectly legit to tell a lawyer/firm "I am in my final year and looking for a job. I'll be happy to intern for 1-4 months provided there are chances of that converting it into a full time job". Be polite and humble as you say that.
Like If I was a student, I would have brought up the point of PPO in the final weeks of my internships, but now would it be appropriate to directly ask for assessment internships in my cover letter (like is that a reason I am not getting any positive response as compared to earlier).
Also, do firms have biases toward interns that have graduated and haven’t secured a job and do firms actively hire throughout the year? Basically, what should be my approach to securing a job at a decent firm. Any help/advice would be appreciated a lot.
1. Make a list of 20 organisations.
2. Research on them like crazy, and send customised CV and cover letter.
3. Follow-up on email AND phone call. If you don't call them on phone, consider your application as good as not sent. If they tell your clearly not to call them, don't.
4. If the above doesn't work, go to Delhi/Bombay/Bangalore (any one of these places), and visit the law offices directly. Try staying with a friend/acquaintance. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Showing eagerness and interest in job applications can take you places.
But consider this - It is fine to not have a job when you graduate. It is also fine to not have a job months after you graduate. Life is tragically short. We live our lives thinking we are invincible, and our loved ones are immortal. Then suddenly, reality strikes. The only thing that stood out for me in your post was that you have to take care of your parents. Do that. Everything else is white noise. We're chasing the shiny stuff for them right? Might as well chase more time with them.
As far as jobs are concerned, find a remote gig. There are plenty out there, and while they might not pay as much, you will still manage to keep the momentum going.
LI is full of sharks, which is good in a way, since we get to learn from their experience, but they might also lack empathy. It might be best if you filter the advice received here accordingly.