Ballista

About Ballista

Ballista is a revolutionary job search platform designed to solve the modern problem of the "black hole" of online applications. It empowers job seekers by physically mailing their resume directly to the hiring manager's desk, bypassing automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and HR filters. The core challenge it addresses is invisibility: when you apply online, your resume becomes one of hundreds of identical PDFs, often filtered out by AI before a human ever sees it. Ballista's solution is a tangible, memorable one—real paper. The platform uses smart research to identify the correct decision-maker, prints your resume on premium, thick paper, and mails it via USPS First-Class mail to their office address. This approach guarantees your application is seen, as a physical letter has a 90% open rate and cannot be ignored or deleted with a click. Ballista is for any serious job seeker—from recent graduates to seasoned executives—who is tired of sending applications into the void and wants to demonstrate exceptional initiative and stand out in a crowded digital marketplace. For as little as $5 per application, you transform from an invisible data point into a memorable candidate.

Features of Ballista

Smart Hiring Manager Discovery

Ballista's core technology solves the problem of not knowing who to contact. Simply paste a job listing link, and the platform's research tools suggest the top three most likely decision-makers. Each suggestion comes with a confidence score, reasoning, and a verified physical office address. This feature eliminates hours of manual LinkedIn sleuthing and guesswork, ensuring your packet reaches the person with actual hiring authority, not just a generic HR department.

Premium Physical Packet Delivery

This feature directly tackles the issue of digital clutter. Ballista prints your uploaded resume on professional-grade, 90lb bond paper for a substantial feel. It is mailed flat in an envelope (never folded) via USPS First-Class Mail, arriving at the hiring manager's desk in 5-7 business days. The tangible nature of this packet commands attention and respect, forcing a physical interaction that an email or online portal cannot replicate, dramatically increasing the chance your application is reviewed.

Flexible Credit-Based System

Ballista operates on a transparent credit system, not restrictive subscriptions. Users purchase packs of credits that never expire. Different actions cost different credits: a standard mailed packet, premium tracked mail, adding a cover letter, or using the research tools. This flexibility allows you to tailor your strategy and budget, whether you're sending one targeted application or launching a full campaign across multiple companies.

Certified Mail & Tracking Options

For high-priority applications where proof of delivery is crucial, Ballista offers a Premium Packet option. This utilizes certified mail with tracking and delivery confirmation. This feature solves the anxiety of wondering if your application arrived. It provides tangible proof that your resume landed on the intended desk, giving you peace of mind and a potential conversation starter for follow-up.

Use Cases of Ballista

Breaking Into Competitive Industries

When applying for roles at dream companies or in hyper-competitive fields like tech or finance, your online application is statistically likely to be lost. Using Ballista to send a physical resume demonstrates extraordinary initiative and grit. It makes you the one candidate whose application physically persists on a manager's desk, creating a memorable impression that can break the tie with equally qualified candidates who applied the conventional way.

Overcoming ATS Filter Failures

Many qualified candidates are rejected because their resume formatting isn't ATS-friendly or they lack arbitrary keyword matches. Ballista's physical mail bypasses these digital gatekeepers entirely. Your beautifully formatted resume arrives intact, judged on its actual content and your experience rather than its optimization for robot scanners, giving you a fair shot at human evaluation.

The Senior-Level Executive Search

For director, VP, or C-level roles, the expectation of professionalism and direct engagement is higher. Sending a generic online application can seem impersonal. A Ballista packet reflects the seniority and seriousness of the candidate. It demonstrates a strategic, direct approach worthy of a leadership position and is more likely to be routed directly to the appropriate senior hiring authority.

Re-engaging After a Ghosted Application

If you've applied online and heard nothing back, the conversation is typically over. A Ballista packet sent a week or two later revives your candidacy. It acts as a powerful, polite follow-up that cannot be ignored. The hiring manager now has a physical reminder of your interest and persistence, often prompting a second look and potentially sparking an interview invitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ballista find the hiring manager's address?

Ballista uses a combination of proprietary data sources and intelligent algorithms to identify the most likely decision-makers for a given job listing. When you paste a job link, it analyzes the company, department, and role to suggest individuals with hiring authority. It then verifies their professional office mailing addresses to ensure your packet reaches the correct location.

What is included in a "packet"?

A standard Ballista packet includes your resume printed on high-quality, 90lb bond paper (8.5x11 US Letter size). It is mailed flat in a professional envelope via USPS First-Class Mail. You can add options like a personalized cover letter (9 credits) or custom brand design (35 credits) for an additional cost. Premium packets include certified mail with tracking.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days within the United States from the time your order is processed and mailed. This timeframe is based on USPS First-Class Mail service standards. You can opt for the Premium Packet with tracking to monitor the exact delivery progress.

What if I already know who I want to send my resume to?

The process is even simpler. You can sign up, manually enter the hiring manager's name and verified office address, upload your resume, and proceed to checkout. Ballista will handle the premium printing and mailing, saving you the time and hassle of doing it yourself while ensuring a professional result.

Pricing of Ballista

Ballista uses a flexible credit system. Credits never expire and can be used for various services.

• Single Packet: $10 for 1,000 credits. Enough for one standard mailed application.
• Triple Pack (Most Popular): $30 for 3,150 credits (+5% bonus). Enough for three standard packets or one premium tracked packet.
• Campaign (Best Value): $100 for 11,000 credits (+10% bonus). Ideal for a full job search, covering 10 standard packets or 4 premium packets.
  Service Costs in Credits:
• Standard Mailed Packet: 668 credits
• Premium Packet (Certified with Tracking): 1,728 credits
• Cover Letter Personalization: 9 credits
• Target Discovery (Find Hiring Managers): 15 credits