To apply for this role?

[Lottie314]

a new opportunity has come up for a team leader role at work. The thing is, I feel there is already somebody lined up for this as he has been taking on more ‘senior’ duties and feel the email has been sent just to give everybody an equal chance. Am I embarrassing myself applying for it when really I know a person already had the job?

manager has asked whoever wants to apply to send her an email explaining why?

Already has the job*

If you think you have the relevant experience then definitely apply for it or at least have the conversation with your manager.
If nothing else you should come out with a shopping list of things to do should another opportunity come up and make people aware you want to progress.

Put yourself forward because at least then they know you want to advance. It sounds like someone else might get it but when you signal you want to get on that's when the additional duties etc will come your way.

Apply anyway. It shows the manager you are keen & she might think of you for the next opportunity. And the rival might drop out / move away / say something stupid at interview etc.

Go for it. If nothing else it’ll raise your profile as someone for them to consider in the future.

Definitely apply.

They might have someone earmarked for it this time, but next time round you might start getting the extra responsibilities. You've got nothing to lose.

I know someone that went for a job in similar circumstances, and 'knew' she wasn't going to get the job - she was quite scathing about the process (to the people that she trusted). It did very much look like someone else would get it. She got the job. It's not always the foregone conclusion that it seems.

Anybody give me any tips on what to send in this email? What does a manager like to hear haha?

Go for it, even if your not the person who gets it this time round management will know your keen to progress so what do you have to lose. You never know, you could be the perfect fit!

Definitely, so many times I've known people take a punt on a more senior role, not got it but then ended up being put forward for something else/something similar later on.
Impress them and if you don't get it, be gracious and thank them for the opportunity. You'll get yourself noticed.

I'd respond something along the lines of

I'd love to be considered for this team leader position. I feel as if I'm ready for a new challenge after [insert details if a successful review, project, additional training etc] could I get more information about what the role entails please?

Keep it short and sweet because there'll presumably be an application process. Good luck.

Apply.

Even if you do t get it this time, it would be experience and it's let's your manager know that you are interested.

Also don't presume he is the preferred or best candidate!

Do it!
Even if you don't get it, you'll get valuable experience and feedback from the interview and you're getting your name and face out there, showing you want to progress.
Even if he gets it and you don't, if you do a good interview it could be you getting the senior duties next to help you progress next time.

In your email, pop in what you have been doing that makes you good for the role, and use the STAR format (situation, task, action, result)

agreed

If say out yourself out there and even if you are successful - management will know your keen to progress and it looks really positive and then if something else comes up aswell you could be in the running and if they need someone to do any extra bits they might ask you to gain the experience etc...

I had a similar chance last year and didn't do it wish I had

I bit bullet and messaged my manager, honestly wouldn’t have done it if you didn’t give me the courage. He said he will discuss it with me in my 121 today

Good luck!
You have definitely done the right thing.
Even if you don't get this particular job you've shown you're proactive and keen for future opportunities.

It’s always worth showing an interest in advancement, but be prepared that another person may get the job and consider how you will work with them in future.

The thing is, I don’t know if I’m being reasonable because I haven’t exactly proven myself, I mean I’m good at my job but haven’t really gone above and beyond. I have been doing this job for 5 years with 4 of them part time since having my children, I’m willing to go back full time now and throw myself into it, I can’t afford to go full time without a promotion though?