I look at it this way: I'm a noob. I learn the things I do because I've genuinely developed an interest and understanding of how technology can improve my life and that of others.

A Raspberry Pi home automation server running Alpine, a load-balanced OpenBSD router... I make some projects which are considered a hobby for now.

But how would you convey this to a recruiter with limited to no understanding of technology? How would it even look like to a recruiter if someone like me was trying to get a foot in the door?

This is where certs might come in handy. I may not become an expert overnight, but at least it shows that I'm willing to focus and learn the material required to pass a cert.