I did AML/KYC course, Excel, SQL and a transaction monitoring project. Still no calls. What am I missing?

Bondan S

Bondan S

@Layer1Bondan
Published: Jun 14, 2026
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Views: 62

I am trying for entry-level AML analyst roles and honestly I am not able to understand what is missing.

Everywhere the advice is almost the same. Do AML basics, learn KYC, understand CDD/EDD, practice Excel, learn some SQL, read about transaction monitoring and make one small project.

I did most of this. I have also seen many freshers and career switchers doing the same thing. Some people even add a small KYC project or transaction monitoring project in their CV.

But still interview calls are not coming.

So is this because the entry-level AML market is too crowded now? Or because recruiters do not take these course-based profiles seriously?

I am also wondering if these projects look too basic from the hiring side. Like maybe writing “transaction monitoring project” on CV does not mean much unless the person can actually explain why an alert is suspicious, what was checked, and how the case should be closed.

I am not asking which course to do next. I am trying to understand why entry-level AML analyst candidates get rejected despite KYC transaction monitoring projects when they have already done the normal beginner preparation.

People who are already in AML, fraud, banking operations, fintech compliance or crypto compliance, what do you think is usually missing in such profiles?

Like 2 Replies 1

Replies

Welcome, guest

Join ArtofBlockchain to reply, ask questions, and participate in conversations.

Sign up Log in

ArtofBlockchain powered by Jatra Community Platform

  • AuditWardenRashid

    AuditWardenRashid

    @AuditWarden • Jun 14, 2026

    I think this happens because many beginner AML profiles look almost identical from the outside.

    Course name, KYC, CDD, EDD, Excel, SQL, transaction monitoring project — all of this is useful, but it does not always tell the recruiter how the person will behave when they actually see an alert.

    For example, if the CV only says “created a transaction monitoring project,” I still do not know whether the person can explain why one transaction looks normal and another looks risky. I also do not know whether they can write a simple AML case note in plain language without copying textbook definitions.

    That may be one reason why entry-level AML analyst candidates get rejected despite KYC transaction monitoring projects. The project is there, but the investigation judgment is not visible.

    A small project can probably become stronger if it shows the customer profile, the alert reason, what was checked, what looked suspicious or not suspicious, and why the case was closed or escalated.

    This is where many freshers and career switchers may be missing the signal. They show AML course completion and transaction monitoring keywords, but they do not show how they would analyse a suspicious activity alert before the interview stage.

    Not saying this is the only reason. Market saturation is also real. But from what I have seen, many CVs show preparation, not decision-making.

    0