Dear candidate,

well done. In fact it is not a given that you are allowed to apply after a few months. So this is a positive sign, usually it is at least a six months waiting time. Were you applying in one of the high growth offices, like Middle East? In any case it seems to indicate that they see potential in you. Use the time to grow and consider also other firms. If you like OW, use the time to network a bit more as well and reapply after a few months, once you feel that you have reached another level in your interview prep. I am not suggesting that you absolutely need to grow your skills - you have done really well and it is probably bad  luck. BUT it really raises your chances if they see that you have reached an even higher level, it speaks for you being very committed and very eager to learn and give your best. hence it is a good idea.

best regards

You could also consider applying to a different office. Sometimes the offices do not share information with one another as it relates to who was interviewed. 

The fact that you can re-interview in a few months is a great sign and once you are in the door, you are in so do not see why you would need to rely on a referral once again. 

Daniel. 

Hi there,

This is standard practice. Most consulting firms have a freeze period of 18-24 months, 12 months at the very least. The idea is for you to show some real progress, which is hard to do in just a couple of months.

That being said, there are ways to circumvent the ban, which is a strong referral i.e. Partner or application to another office. The latter is not because offices don't share information, but rather that the same candidate may rank much higher in locations where talent is not as abundant e.g. developing countries. In that case, the office where you apply next will ask for a waiver of the freeze and it's typically granted.

Hope this helps a bit! Best of luck!