2 Lead developer career trajectory

Everyone must start somewhere, and no one gets a job as a lead developer with no experience. The most common path is junior developer > senior developer > lead developer > management. However, this isn’t the only path, and in this chapter, we’ll explore various options for your lead developer career trajectory.

Once you have a clear career path in mind, you must write a winning résumé to get in the door for interviews. Not only does a strong résumé help you stand out in a competitive job market, but it also helps you secure more lucrative job offers and better career opportunities. By highlighting your strengths and accomplishments, you can communicate your value proposition to potential employers and convince them that you’re the right person for the job. Investing time and effort in creating a winning résumé can pay off in numerous ways, both in terms of your career advancement and your personal growth.

2.1 Reviewing software developer roles

2.1.1 Starting as a junior developer

2.1.2 Becoming a senior developer

2.1.3 Moving to lead developer or lead architect

2.1.4 Considering management and beyond

2.1.5 Considering your career options

2.2 Moving through a software development career

2.2.1 Writing a résumé

2.2.2 Creating a cover letter

2.2.3 Achieving success in technical interviews

2.2.4 Interviewing for development leadership positions

2.3 The job market for lead developers

2.3.1 Assessing the competition

2.3.2 Standing above the crowd

2.3.3 Reviewing in-demand technical skills

2.4 Case study

2.4.1 What advice do you have for developers who are setting a career plan?

2.4.2 How can developers stay on top of the competition in today’s job market?

2.4.3 How can developers stand out during the interview process?