How to progress to engineering team lead as a senior dev?

Question

I am thinking about applying (outside of current company) to an engineering team lead position. However the job description expects experience in leading a team. (Both my current company and the company I want to apply at are big corps.)I don't have that. I have about 10 years experience as an IC. I have mentored junior programmers and written my share of design documents etc. I am generally a good communicator and actively take part in meetings. I can often resolve misunderstandings between developers/managers.However I have never led a team. Is it pointless to apply for these positions that state such a requirement? What questions do you have to expect in the interview.Every hint on the topic is appreciated even if it's not an answer to my questions. Thanks!

lisasays · Accepted Answer

It's worth trying, assuming you have tons of time to burn and don't mind getting a mostly zilch response rate.
The key is to start your cover letter (in fact, you can even deadpan) by mentioning that you've never had this role before, but think you'd be good at anyways based on the factors mentioned. Couldn't hurt -- and again, most people who got into management did so through some mix of dumb luck and/or persistence.
The latter being a virtue in and of itself, so they say. Which some people just might pick up on, in your cover letter.

xyzzy123 · Answer

The main difference between you and a leader is that people trust the leader.