From Active Pool to Client Interview: Your Next Steps Explained

Congratulations! You’re one step closer to landing your new role — you’re now a part of our active pool.

You may have recently received an email about this, which means you successfully passed all the previous recruitment stages: the initial interview, in-house assessments, and second/final interview.

That’s already a huge achievement – you should be proud!

So, what’s next? Here’s the rundown of the upcoming steps in our process:

What It Is

Being in the Active Pool means your profile is now ready for client matching – the exciting phase where we pair your experience, skills, and of course, the preferences you shared during the interview with an opening.

This stage is all about fit. We take everything you’ve shared with us into account (yes, we did take notes!) – from the type of work you enjoy and the tools you’re comfortable using, to your preferred work set-up, as well as finding a role where you could thrive.

And when there’s a potential match, the next big step is the Client Interview.

What to Expect

Once you're shortlisted for a client, our team will endorse your profile to them. From there, the final call on whether to proceed with an interview rests with them.

If they’re interested in meeting you, we’ll contact you via text, call, or email – so, make sure to keep your lines open! Aside from checking your availability, we’ll walk you through the following details of the role to confirm your interest:

1. The client and their company
2. The role and responsibilities
3. Schedule and work set-up
4. Any key expectations or dealbreakers

We’ll also send everything to you via email so you can review and prepare. On the day of your interview, don’t worry – whether it’s your first time meeting an international client or not, we’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.

We will start with a quick test call to check your internet connection, camera, audio, and surroundings followed by a short briefing with tips and advice to help you feel confident and prepared. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes cheer squad!

Client interviews are often conversational and focus on personality and alignment – both for the role and their team. Occasionally, there might be a few technical questions, but more often the clients’ goal is to get to know you; your experience, career goals, and what motivates you to explore new opportunities. So, make sure to come prepared to share your story.

Why Can It Take Time?

Sometimes, the matching process could take longer than the usual two to three weeks. This is typically when client requirements are very specific or shift altogether.

We know waiting can be tough, especially after you’ve come so far. But to help you feel a little more at ease, let me share some of the reasons why things might slow down a bit at this stage and how you can stay proactive in the meantime:

1. Years of Experience – Clients have different needs depending on the level of the role they’re hiring for. Some may be looking for junior staff they can train, while others need someone with more advanced skills who can hit the ground running. As you wait, we suggest reflecting on your current experience and where you want to grow. You don’t need to know everything right now – your willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow into the role can make a strong impression once that client interview is locked in.
2. International Experience or Specific Accounting Background – Certain clients may prefer prior experience in the Australian, UK, or US accounting process, or a background in audit, taxation, or public practice. But don’t let that discourage you because we also have clients who value potential over pedigree. Many are open to candidates with local experience and are willing to provide training to help you grow into the role. If you’re new to international accounting or want to break into a new specialization, try exploring free or low-cost courses, webinars, or even YouTube channels to start building familiarity. Showing that you're actively upskilling can set you apart.
3. Software Knowledge – Xero and QuickBooks are the most widely used tools used across our clients, though some roles may require familiarity with MYOB, SAP, NetSuite, and advanced Microsoft Excel. If you’ve had limited exposure to these tools, now is a great time to start learning. Even a few hours a week of practice can make a difference. We suggest brushing up on these tools or upskilling to boost your chances.
4. Work Arrangement – Some roles are fully onsite, while others are hybrid or remote. So, be honest and vocal about your preferences during the interviews with us. Rest assured, we always take your preferred set-up into account when matching you with a role.

What Happens Next

If the match is strong and you're successful, we’ll move forward with an offer – congratulations in advance! 🎉

If the client decides not to proceed, don’t lose heart! We may reprofile you to other clients if your background fits other vacancies. And if we feel it’s not the right fit at this time, we’ll be transparent about the client’s feedback and suggest that it might be more beneficial for you to explore other opportunities.

Either way, you’ll hear from us, and we’ll guide you on the best next steps because, no matter what, the recruitment team is here to support you. You can also check out our blog about bouncing back from rejection – a reminder that a “no” now isn’t the end of your journey.

That sums it up!

We know the process can feel lengthy and a bit overwhelming at times. But remember, you’re not just in a queue, you’re in a process. Every step we take is designed to help you land the role that’s the right fit – not just the fastest one 😉

Who knows? You might be the next new hire our onboarding team welcomes on their first day here at Frontline.