Ballista

About Ballista

Ballista is a revolutionary job search platform designed to help candidates bypass the ineffective and impersonal digital application process. It operates on the core principle that physical mail commands attention in a way digital files cannot. The product directly addresses the "black hole" of online applications, where resumes are filtered out by AI systems and buried under hundreds of competitors. Ballista empowers job seekers by physically mailing their resume, printed on premium paper, directly to the identified hiring manager's desk. This service is ideal for proactive professionals across all industries who are tired of being ignored by automated systems and want to demonstrate exceptional initiative. For as little as $5 per application, users gain a tangible advantage: a physical packet that gets opened over 90% of the time, skips HR filters, and lands directly in front of the decision-maker, significantly increasing interview response rates.

Features of Ballista

Smart Hiring Manager Discovery

Ballista's research tool simplifies the most challenging part of a targeted job search: finding the right person. Users can paste a job link, and the platform suggests the top three most likely decision-makers. Each suggestion includes a confidence score, reasoning, and a verified physical office address. This feature eliminates hours of manual LinkedIn and company research, providing actionable leads in seconds. You can use Ballista's suggestions or manually enter a contact you already know.

Premium Physical Packet Service

The core service involves printing and mailing your resume as a high-quality physical packet. Ballista prints your uploaded PDF resume on thick, professional-grade 90lb bond paper. It is mailed flat in an envelope (not folded) via USPS First-Class Mail, ensuring it arrives looking crisp and professional on the hiring manager's desk within 5-7 business days. This tangible presentation is designed to stand out dramatically against a backdrop of digital clutter.

Flexible Credit-Based System

Ballista uses a transparent credit system for all services, allowing you to pay for exactly what you need. Credits never expire and can be used for various actions. Sending a standard packet costs 668 credits, while a premium packet with certified tracking costs 1,728 credits. You can also use credits for add-ons like a personalized cover letter (9 credits) or custom brand design (35 credits). This system provides ultimate flexibility for different job search strategies.

Add-Ons for Enhanced Impact

Beyond the basic mailer, Ballista offers several add-on services to increase your packet's effectiveness. You can include a smart, personalized cover letter for a minimal credit cost. For roles where proof of delivery is crucial, you can upgrade to Premium Certified Mail with tracking. The platform also offers services like resume scraping to extract contact details and target discovery for finding hiring managers, giving you a comprehensive toolkit for a successful outreach campaign.

Use Cases of Ballista

Breaking Into Competitive Industries

When applying for roles at prestigious companies or in highly competitive fields like tech or finance, your online application is one of thousands. Using Ballista to send a direct, physical resume to a department head or senior hiring manager demonstrates unparalleled initiative and grit. It forces a human to acknowledge your application, bypassing the automated filters that typically screen out even highly qualified candidates.

Re-Engaging with a Stalled Application

If you've applied for a dream job online but heard nothing back after a few weeks, your application is likely stuck in the void. Ballista provides a powerful second chance. You can use the hiring manager discovery tool to find the direct report for the role and mail your resume to their physical office. This follow-up is far more memorable and difficult to ignore than a second email.

Senior-Level and Executive Job Search

For senior, director, or C-level positions, the hiring process is more personal and relationship-driven. Sending a generic application through a company portal is ineffective. Ballista is perfectly suited for this scenario, allowing an executive to make a direct, tangible, and professional first impression on a peer or board member, reflecting the stature and seriousness appropriate for the role.

Career Changers Needing to Stand Out

Individuals transitioning to a new industry lack the typical keywords and direct experience that get resumes past AI filters. A Ballista packet allows them to tell their story on premium paper, directly to a human decision-maker. This approach showcases their passion, transferable skills, and determination in a way a digital form cannot, often leading to a conversation that a filtered online application would prevent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ballista find the right hiring manager?

Ballista uses intelligent research algorithms to analyze job postings and company structures. When you paste a job link, it scans publicly available data, professional networks, and organizational charts to identify the most probable decision-makers for that specific role, such as department heads or senior managers. It provides you with the top three suggestions, complete with confidence scores and real mailing addresses, for you to review and select from.

What is included in a standard packet?

A standard Ballista packet includes your resume printed in full color on high-quality, thick 90lb professional bond paper (US Letter size, 8.5x11 inches). It is mailed flat (not folded) in a professional envelope via USPS First-Class Mail. This service is designed for maximum impact and professionalism, ensuring your application arrives in pristine condition directly to the recipient's desk.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery typically takes 5 to 7 business days within the United States via USPS First-Class Mail. This timeframe is from the moment Ballista processes and mails your packet. You have the option to upgrade to a Premium Packet, which uses Certified Mail and includes tracking and proof of delivery, though it may follow a similar delivery timeline.

What happens if the hiring manager has moved or the address is wrong?

Ballista's hiring manager discovery tool provides confidence scores to help you choose the best contact. However, if a packet is undeliverable and returned to Ballista, they will notify you. You can then use your existing credits to re-send the packet to a corrected address. Their credit system is flexible, allowing you to use the remaining value for a new attempt or other services.

Pricing of Ballista

Ballista operates on a prepaid credit system. Credits never expire and can be used for various services, from mailing packets to using research tools. The main purchase packages are:

• Single Packet ($10): Provides 1,000 credits, enough for one Standard Packet (668 credits) with credits leftover for add-ons like a cover letter.
• Triple Pack ($30 - Most Popular): Provides 3,150 credits (a 5% bonus). This allows you to send three Standard Packets or one Premium Certified Packet with tracking (1,728 credits).
• Campaign ($100 - Best Value): Provides 11,000 credits (a 10% bonus). This is ideal for an active job search, covering approximately 10 Standard Packets or 4 Premium Packets, with the ability to mix and match.
  Key service costs in credits: Standard Packet (668), Premium Certified Packet with tracking (1,728), Cover Letter (9), Target Discovery search (15).