It might be easier getting a job elsewhere - they'll have no pre-conceived ideas about you. I know that my ex boss said that although she tried not to be she was always tougher on candidates who she knew or who had been recommended by people she knew (we hired a number of people from our customers) than those who were a complete unknown. If you're OH's one of their top performers they may expect miracles from you at interview too. Knowing someone in the company can work both ways (which is probably why your OH doesn't want to affect your application by putting in a word for you).