Ballista is a physical resume mailing service that helps job seekers bypass online application filters by printing and mailing their resumes directly to hiring managers, using USPS First-Class mail.
What is Ballista?
Ballista lets you paste a job link, identify the hiring decision maker by name, and mail a printed resume on 90lb bond paper to their desk. It takes a job URL and your PDF resume as input and outputs a physical letter delivered in 5–7 business days. The service runs as a web app with a browser extension, and is offered by Ballista (ballista.jobs).
Key Features
- Decision maker discovery — Paste any job link; Ballista surfaces the top three hiring managers by name with scores, reasons, and real mailing addresses.
- Physical printing on premium paper — Resumes are printed in full color on thick 90lb bond paper (US Letter size), then enclosed in a flat envelope.
- Verified Human Effort QR code — Each cover letter includes a cryptographically signed QR code that employers can scan to confirm the application was sent by a real person, not a bot.
- No subscription model — Pay per application via a credit system; credits never expire. 68 free credits are provided to start.
- Browser extension — Apply from any job listing on LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. by sending a physical resume with one click.
- Premium tracking option — Upgrade to certified mail with tracking and proof of delivery for an additional credit cost.
Who is it for?
- Job seekers targeting remote, startup, or executive roles — Use Ballista to reach hiring managers directly when online applications get buried in ATS filters.
- Marketing and sales professionals — Send physical resumes to stand out in competitive fields like marketing in NYC or remote PM roles at startups (common examples on the site).
- Career changers or applicants with non-traditional backgrounds — Bypass AI resume screening that may misjudge your experience by landing a physical document on a decision maker’s desk.
What can you do with Ballista?
- Apply to a single job with maximum impact — Paste a job link, select a hiring manager, upload your resume, and receive a mailed packet on thick paper with a verification QR code.
- Run a targeted campaign — Buy a Campaign credit pack (11,000 credits) to mail up to 10 standard or 4 premium applications, mixing and matching as needed.
- Gift credits to someone job hunting — Purchase credits that never expire and can be used at any time.
How does Ballista work?
- Step 1: Find Decision Maker — Paste the job link. Ballista suggests the top three decision makers with scores, reasons, and addresses. You can add your own.
- Step 2: Upload Resume — Upload your PDF. Ballista prints it on premium 90lb bond paper.
- Step 3: We Mail It — The envelope arrives in 5–7 business days via USPS First-Class. Premium certified mail with tracking is available.
Pricing
Ballista uses a pay-as-you-go credit model with no subscriptions. Single Packet: $10 for 1,000 credits (enough for one standard application). Triple Pack: $30 for 3,150 credits (3 standard or 1 premium). Campaign: $100 for 11,000 credits (10 standard or 4 premium). Standard applications cost 668 credits; premium (certified with tracking) cost 1,728 credits. Credits never expire.
FAQ
Is Ballista free to try?
You receive 68 free credits when you sign up—enough to test the decision maker discovery and see sample costs. Standard applications require 668 credits, so free credits cover only exploratory use, not a full mail-out.
How long does delivery take?
Physical packages are sent via USPS First-Class mail and arrive in 5–7 business days. Premium applications with certified tracking may take the same timeframe but include delivery confirmation.
