Has anyone experienced something similar, and does this usually indicate renewed consideration or is it just an automated step?

This is a great question, and I can confirm that this is generally not an automated spam trigger. Receiving a proactive invitation like this, especially with a dedicated application link, is actually a strong positive signal indicating that the firm has internally recognized your high performance on the initial assessment.

Here is the logic behind why this happened: Five months ago, you were likely filtered out due to headcount saturation or the specific timing of that recruiting wave, not poor capability. The firm's Applicant Tracking System (ATS) maintains a "high potential" pool—candidates who passed all the hard, quantitative gates (like the assessment) but were rejected due to soft constraints. When the firm suddenly opens a new BA requisition (a change in headcount or a target they previously missed), the system queries that pool for candidates, leading to your personalized outreach.

The strategic move now is to focus entirely on the role they invited you back to. Applying through that personalized link typically bypasses or significantly fast-tracks the initial blind resume review, as the system already recognizes you as "pre-qualified" based on your prior performance. Don't worry about the Associate Intern application—the firm is signaling that they see you as a serious full-time BA candidate. Get your interview preparation locked down, as this timeline can sometimes be accelerated.

Hope this helps shed some light on the black box!

Hi!

Hard to speak on behalf of whichever firm you're referring to, but I'd keep following up with both applications (at a reasonable frequency). 

Things like this may happen because the firm is actively recruiting and finds your application interesting. Either way, reach out and state your continued interest in the position, and continue your case preparation (you want to be ready when the opportunity comes!).

All the best!

Hi there,

This does happen occasionally and it’s usually more than a purely automated step. An invitation to reapply with a personal link typically means your profile was flagged again as potentially relevant, often due to updated information like starting a master’s or shifting role eligibility.

That said, it doesn’t guarantee renewed consideration or interviews. It usually means your application will be reviewed again rather than automatically filtered out, and timelines can still be slow. The lack of response so far isn’t unusual, especially if the team is batching reviews or aligning on headcount.

I’d read this as a neutral to mildly positive signal, worth staying cautiously optimistic about, but still best to continue applying elsewhere in parallel.

Best,
Evelina

Hi there,

I recommend you reaching out to HR to clarify. In any case, I don't think it hurts if you apply for the BA role again since it was suggested to you.

hey there :)

This happens quite often and is usually a mix of automated talent pool outreach and renewed interest, so it is generally a positive signal rather than a negative one. It does not guarantee reconsideration, but it means your profile is still seen as relevant and worth keeping warm, especially with your updated background. I would stay patient and if appropriate follow up politely, and feel free to reach out if you want to discuss how to position this best.

best,
Alessa :)