Ballista

About Ballista

Ballista is a disruptive job search platform engineered to solve the modern applicant's most significant challenge: the digital black hole of online applications. It operates on a core, research-backed principle: physical mail commands attention in a way digital noise cannot. The platform enables job seekers to bypass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and HR gatekeepers by delivering a candidate's resume directly to a hiring manager's desk via professionally printed and mailed physical packets. Ballista combines intelligent software with a tangible service. Its proprietary research tools identify the most likely decision-makers for a given role, complete with verified mailing addresses. Users then upload their resume, and Ballista handles the entire fulfillment process: high-quality printing on premium 90lb bond paper, packaging, and mailing via USPS First-Class Mail. This method capitalizes on the documented higher open rates of physical mail, which can exceed 90% according to the Data & Marketing Association, compared to the sub-2% response rate typical of online applications. Ballista is designed for proactive job seekers across all industries who are frustrated with automated rejections and ghosting, and who understand that demonstrating unique initiative is a powerful competitive advantage. Its value proposition is clear: for a fraction of the cost of a professional networking event, you can ensure your application is physically seen and remembered.

Features of Ballista

Hiring Manager Discovery Engine

This intelligent feature is the cornerstone of Ballista's service. Users simply paste a job listing URL, and the platform's algorithm conducts smart research to suggest the top three most probable hiring managers or decision-makers for that role. Each suggestion includes a confidence score, the reasoning behind the selection, and a verified, deliverable office address. This eliminates hours of manual LinkedIn sleuthing and guesswork, providing targeted, actionable intelligence to ensure your packet reaches the right desk.

Premium Physical Fulfillment

Ballista transforms your digital PDF into a tangible, professional artifact. Every resume is printed in full color on thick, 90lb professional-grade paper (8.5x11 US Letter size) to ensure a substantive feel and premium presentation. The document is mailed flat in an envelope to prevent creasing, preserving its professional quality. This tactile experience is designed to stand in stark contrast to the hundreds of identical digital files in an employer's inbox, leveraging the psychological impact of physical media.

Flexible Credit-Based System

The platform operates on a transparent, pay-as-you-go credit system rather than rigid subscriptions. Users purchase packages of credits that never expire. Different actions consume different credit amounts (e.g., a standard mailed packet, adding a cover letter, or using certified mail with tracking). This allows for ultimate flexibility, enabling users to mix and match services—from a single targeted application to a full multi-job campaign—without wasting money on unused monthly fees.

Campaign Management & Tracking

For serious job seekers, Ballista supports organized campaign management. Users can save and manage multiple target contacts and job applications within their dashboard. The option to upgrade to Premium Packets with USPS Certified Mail provides proof of delivery and tracking, offering peace of mind and concrete data that your application was received. This system turns a scattered job search into a measurable, strategic outreach campaign.

Use Cases of Ballista

Breaking Into Competitive Industries

When applying for roles in hyper-competitive fields like technology, finance, or media, where a single job posting can attract thousands of online applicants, Ballista provides a critical edge. It allows a candidate to circumvent the initial ATS filters that might screen out even highly qualified individuals based on arbitrary keyword matching, ensuring a human decision-maker physically reviews their application and notes their exceptional initiative.

The Senior-Level Executive Search

For directors, VPs, and C-suite candidates, the job search is as much about discretion and targeted influence as it is about qualifications. Ballista facilitates a direct, respectful, and high-impact approach. Sending a finely crafted physical resume packet directly to a department head or CEO demonstrates serious intent and professional maturity, often leading to more confidential and high-priority consideration than a public online application.

Re-engagement After Digital Ghosting

A candidate who has applied online and received no response can use Ballista for a powerful follow-up strategy. By identifying the specific hiring manager and sending a physical packet with a brief, personalized cover letter referencing the original application, the candidate re-enters the conversation in a novel and unavoidable way. This demonstrates persistence and creativity, qualities highly valued in any employee.

Career Changers and Non-Traditional Candidates

Individuals transitioning between industries or with non-linear career paths often struggle to get past automated resume screens that seek perfect keyword alignment. Ballista allows these candidates to tell their full story directly to a human who can appreciate transferable skills and unique perspectives. The tangible package serves as a persuasive tool to open a dialogue that a digital application might prematurely close.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ballista find the correct hiring manager?

Ballista employs a proprietary algorithm that analyzes publicly available data from company websites, professional networking platforms, and business databases. When you input a job link, it cross-references the job title, department, and company structure to identify the most probable direct manager or department head for that role. It provides multiple suggestions with confidence scores so you can make an informed decision, and also allows for manual entry if you already have a specific contact.

What is included in a "Standard Packet"?

A Standard Packet is the core Ballista service. For 668 credits, it includes the identification of the hiring manager (or use of your provided contact), the printing of your uploaded resume on premium 90lb bond paper in full color, and delivery via USPS First-Class Mail in a flat envelope to prevent folding. It typically arrives at the destination office within 5-7 business days. This option does not include delivery tracking.

Can I include a cover letter or other documents?

Yes, you can personalize your application further. Adding a smart, personalized cover letter costs an additional 9 credits. Ballista's system allows you to include this document, which will be printed and mailed alongside your resume. Other enhancements, such as custom brand design for your documents (35 credits), are also available to create a completely cohesive and professional application package.

What happens if my mailed packet cannot be delivered?

Ballista uses USPS for delivery with verified addresses from its research process. In the rare event a packet is returned as undeliverable, Ballista's support team will notify you. Typically, they will work with you to identify a corrected address and re-send the packet using credits from your account, ensuring your application reaches its intended target.

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. Covers one Standard Packet (668 credits) with leftover credits for small add-ons.
• Triple Pack (Most Popular): $30 for 3,150 credits (+5% bonus). Ideal for mailing 3 Standard Packets or 1 Premium Packet with Certified Mail tracking (1,728 credits).
• Campaign (Best Value): $100 for 11,000 credits (+10% bonus). Designed for a full job search campaign, covering approximately 10 Standard Packets or 4 Premium Packets, with the ability to mix and match services.
  Service costs in credits: Standard Packet (668), Premium Packet with tracking (1,728), Cover Letter (9), Brand Design (35), Resume Scrape (3), Target Discovery (15).