How to Land Cloud Interviews When You're "Under-Qualified"

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Sarah just passed her AWS Cloud Practitioner exam.

She's halfway through studying for AWS Solutions Architect Associate. Her GitHub has three solid portfolio projects. She's doing everything right.

But when she looks at Cloud Engineer job postings, they all say the same thing: "3-5 years of AWS experience required."

She asked me: "How am I supposed to get cloud experience when every job requires cloud experience? Should I wait until I have all three certifications? What if I apply and they see I've only been in IT for a year?"

This is the question that stops most people dead in their tracks.

Here's the truth: you don't need to wait. You need to reframe.

In Week 1, we mapped the 3-phase certification roadmap. In Week 2, we covered study strategies and portfolio projects. This week: how to turn those certifications and projects into job interviews—even when you don't meet the "requirements."

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The Myth of Job Requirements

Let's start with something that will change how you view every job posting:

Job requirements are wish lists, not gatekeepers.

When a job posting says "5 years of AWS experience," here's what they actually mean:

• We want someone who can architect solutions independently

• We need someone who understands AWS services deeply enough to make good decisions

• We don't want to spend 6 months training someone on the basics

Notice what they DON'T mean:

• You must have exactly 5 years in a role with "AWS" in the title

• We will reject anyone with 4 years and 11 months

• Certifications and projects don't count as experience

Sarah has been a Junior Systems Administrator for one year. But she's been working with servers, networks, troubleshooting, and infrastructure. That's relevant experience. Add AWS certifications and portfolio projects showing she can architect solutions? She's closer to that "5 years" than she thinks.

The rule: If you meet 60-70% of the requirements and the role excites you, apply. Let them tell you no—don't reject yourself.

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Resume Transformation: Before and After

Here's how most people write their resume when transitioning to cloud:

BEFORE (What Doesn't Work):

Junior Systems Administrator
ABC Fintech, London | June 2023 - Present

• Provide technical support to end users

• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues

• Reset passwords and manage user accounts

• Monitor system performance

Certifications:

• AWS Cloud Practitioner (2024)

Why this doesn't work: It screams "help desk" not "cloud engineer." There's nothing cloud-related. No mention of the projects or skills that actually matter.

AFTER (What Gets Interviews):

Junior Systems Administrator → Cloud Infrastructure Specialist
ABC Fintech, London | June 2023 - Present

• Manage and monitor cloud infrastructure supporting fintech applications with 99.9% uptime

• Collaborate with engineering team on AWS cloud migration initiatives, reducing infrastructure costs by 15%

• Implement automated monitoring and alerting using CloudWatch for critical systems

• Document infrastructure architecture and create runbooks for incident response

• Currently pursuing AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification (exam scheduled March 2025)

Cloud Projects & Portfolio:

• Multi-Tier Web Application on AWS: Deployed 3-tier architecture with EC2, Application Load Balancer, Auto Scaling, and RDS. Implemented CloudWatch monitoring and automated backups. Links to your GitHub | Architecture Diagram

• Infrastructure as Code: Recreated production environment using Terraform, reducing deployment time from 4 hours to 15 minutes. GitHub

• Disaster Recovery Implementation: Designed and tested cross-region backup strategy with documented RTO/RPO of 1 hour/15 minutes. Documentation on Github

Certifications:

• AWS Cloud Practitioner (January 2025)

• AWS Solutions Architect Associate (In Progress - Scheduled March 2025)

Technical Skills: AWS: EC2, S3, RDS, VPC, CloudWatch, IAM, Lambda, Route 53 | Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, CloudFormation | Monitoring: CloudWatch, SNS | Operating Systems: Linux, Windows Server

What changed:

1. Title adjustment: Added "Cloud Infrastructure Specialist" to show direction (some companies allow this if you're doing cloud work)

2. Reframed responsibilities: Same work, but highlighting cloud-relevant aspects

3. Added measurable impact: "99.9% uptime," "15% cost reduction"

4. Projects front and center: This is your proof you can do the work

5. Currently pursuing: Shows you're actively learning, not static

6. Technical skills section: Keywords that pass ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

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The Application Strategy That Actually Works

Here's how most people apply for jobs:

1. Find job posting

2. Click "Easy Apply" on LinkedIn

3. Submit generic resume

4. Never hear back

Here's what works:

The Targeted Approach (Quality over Quantity)

Step 1: Identify 20 target companies

• Companies using AWS/Azure (check their tech stack on LinkedIn, BuiltWith, or job descriptions)

• Companies in industries you understand (Sarah's in fintech, so fintech companies are natural targets)

• Mix of sizes: startups (easier to get in), scale-ups (growing fast), and established companies

Step 2: Research each company

• What cloud platform do they use?

• Are they hiring multiple cloud roles? (Signals growth)

• Do they have a strong engineering blog? (Signals they value learning)

• Who's the hiring manager? (LinkedIn search: "[Company] Cloud Manager")

Step 3: Customize everything

• Resume: Adjust your project descriptions to match their tech stack

• Cover letter: Reference specific things about their company

• Example: "I noticed [Company] recently migrated to AWS based on your engineering blog post about [X]. I built a similar migration project documented here: [link]"

Step 4: The multi-touch approach

• Day 1: Apply through company website (not just LinkedIn)

• Day 3: Connect with hiring manager on LinkedIn with personalized note

• Day 7: Engage with company's posts, comment thoughtfully

• Day 14: If no response, send polite follow-up email

Time investment: 30-45 minutes per application. Do 2-3 per day.

Don't forget your current role: If you're working in IT like Sarah, volunteer for any cloud-related projects at your company. This gives you real experience to add to your resume. Propose cloud improvements with business cases, and after earning your first certification, ask about adjusting your title to reflect the cloud work you're taking on.

LinkedIn: Your 24/7 Interview

Recruiters are searching LinkedIn right now for "AWS Solutions Architect Associate." Is your profile optimized?

LinkedIn Profile Transformation:

Headline (Before): Junior Systems Administrator at ABC Fintech

Headline (After): Cloud Infrastructure Specialist | AWS Solutions Architect Associate (In Progress) | Building Scalable Cloud Solutions

About Section Template:

"I'm a cloud infrastructure professional passionate about building scalable, secure solutions on AWS.

Currently working as a Junior Systems Administrator at a fintech company, I've been hands-on with cloud migrations, infrastructure monitoring, and automation. I recently earned my AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and I'm pursuing Solutions Architect Associate.

What I bring: - AWS cloud architecture and deployment - Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) - System monitoring and optimization - Strong documentation and problem-solving skills

I'm actively seeking Cloud Engineer roles where I can apply my AWS knowledge to real-world infrastructure challenges.

View my cloud projects: [GitHub link] Connect with me to discuss cloud architecture, AWS best practices, or career transitions."

Key moves:

1. Update your profile to "Open to Work" - Make it visible to recruiters only

2. Post weekly updates - "This week I deployed a multi-tier application on AWS using..." (Shows you're active and learning)

3. Engage with cloud content - Comment thoughtfully on posts from AWS, cloud leaders, companies you're targeting

4. Use all 50 skills slots - AWS, EC2, S3, RDS, Terraform, CloudFormation, Python, Linux, etc.

5. Get endorsements - Ask colleagues to endorse your cloud skills

The Cover Letter That Actually Gets Read

Most people either skip cover letters or write generic ones. Here's the formula that works:

Paragraph 1: Hook with specificity "I noticed [Company] recently [specific thing you researched - new AWS project, blog post, hiring spree, product launch]. As someone who's been building AWS solutions and recently earned my Cloud Practitioner certification, this immediately caught my attention."

Paragraph 2: Bridge the experience gap directly "I know the posting mentions 3-5 years of AWS experience. While I have one year in IT infrastructure, I've accelerated my cloud learning through AWS certifications and hands-on projects. I've deployed [specific project relevant to their needs], which gave me production-level experience with [technologies they use]."

Paragraph 3: Prove you can deliver value "Here's what I can bring to your team immediately:

• Production AWS architecture experience through my portfolio projects [link]

• Strong infrastructure fundamentals from my current systems administration role

• Documentation and communication skills from [specific example]

• Hunger to learn and contribute to [specific team or project they mentioned]"

Paragraph 4: Clear call to action "I've attached my resume detailing my AWS projects and certifications. I'd love to discuss how my hands-on AWS experience can contribute to [specific team/project]. I'm available for a conversation at your convenience."

Length: 200-250 words maximum. If they want more, they'll interview you.

When to Start Applying

Sarah asked: "Should I wait until I have all three certifications?"

No. Here's the quick timeline:

Phase 1 (Foundation Cert): Update LinkedIn, build portfolio on GitHub, start networking. Don't apply for Cloud Engineer roles yet.

Phase 2 (Month 6-7 of studying for Money Cert): START APPLYING for Junior Cloud Administrator, Cloud Support Engineer roles. Target: 3-5 applications per week.

Phase 2 (Month 8-9, after passing Money Cert): Increase to 5-10 per week. Target: Cloud Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer roles.

Phase 3 (After Differentiator Cert): Target mid-level Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Solutions Architect roles at £60K-£75K+.

The key: Don't wait for perfect. Start applying when you have proof you can do the work.

Practice Your Cloud Skills With Real Exam Questions

As you're preparing to apply for roles, make sure your certification knowledge is interview-ready. LearnCloudAcademy.com gives you access to practice exams that mirror real interview questions, so you can confidently discuss AWS/Azure services when recruiters call. You've built the projects—now make sure you can articulate the "why" behind your architectural decisions.

Your Action Steps This Week

Update your resume:

• Reframe your current role using the template above

• Add your portfolio projects with links

• Include certifications prominently

Optimize LinkedIn:

• Update headline and about section

• Turn on "Open to Work" (recruiter-only if currently employed)

• Post one update about your learning journey

Start applying:

• If you have Phase 1 cert: Apply to 3 junior cloud roles this week

• If you have Phase 2 cert: Apply to 5 cloud engineer roles this week

• Customize each application using the strategies above

A note on rejection: You'll send 50+ applications. Most won't respond. This is normal. The math: 50 applications → 3-5 interviews → 1 offer. Every rejection is practice. One yes is all you need.

Reply to this email: What's your biggest fear about applying for cloud roles right now? Rejection? Imposter syndrome? Not knowing what to say in interviews? I read every response and I'll address the most common fears in future newsletters.

Next week in Part 4: The salary negotiation playbook that's worth £15K-£20K+ ($19K-$25K), how to handle tough interview questions, and how to get from your first cloud job at £55K to £80K+ in the next 12-18 months.

Until next week, keep learning and building.

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