What Goes in Your Application?
Less is more. A slim application gets read. A thick one gets skimmed or tossed.
The Lean Application
Every Ballista application has two docs. We do this on purpose. Adding more stuff makes less impact, not more.
Cover Letter (1 page)
Says who you are and why you want this job. We write it for the role and the person reading it.
Resume (1-2 pages)
Your work history, skills, and wins. Keep it tight and on point for the role.
What NOT to Include
These extras seem like a good idea. But they hurt more than they help. Here is why we skip them.
Portfolio samples
Adds bulk and cost. Put your link in the cover letter. They can view it when they want.
Reference letters
Too soon. Refs come up later in the process. Sending them early feels pushy.
Certifications/transcripts
Unless they ask, these just add clutter. List creds on your resume. Send docs if asked.
Business cards
Your contact info is on the cover letter and resume. A card just adds more paper.
Gifts or gimmicks
Looks off. Comes off as try-hard. Let your work speak for you.
Why Less Is More
Time is short. Hiring managers have 30 seconds to decide. A thick application screams "this will take a while." It gets set aside.
More pages cost more. Each page adds to print and mail costs. A slim application saves money and works better.
Focus shows you get it. Sending everything says you do not know what counts. A tight application shows you know what matters.
Links beat paper. Put your site, LinkedIn, and GitHub in the cover letter. They can click when they want, with no extra pages.
Paper Quality
The paper you use matters. We print on thick, pro-grade stock that feels serious in their hands.
- Clean header with your contact info
- Pick your own colors and fonts
- Easy to scan layout
- AI-written or your own text
Sample Application Structure
Cover Letter
- Header: Your name, email, phone, LinkedIn
- Date and their address
- 3-4 short chunks: Hook, fit, close
- Your sign-off
Resume
- Your PDF resume
- Upload once, use it for all applications
- We print it as-is. No changes.