Get Specific in Your Cover Letter

Research the company where you want to work. Find out what projects it's working on, what issues it's facing, and what talents are needed to reach its goals. This research can be done by going to the company website, doing a search on Google, Yahoo, or whatever search engine you prefer, and by asking members of your online (and off-line) social network. A tool I like is the Google Blog Search, where you're apt to get the unofficial scoop on what's going on.

Once you have some insight into the company's current situation, use this information in your cover letter in a way that shows you've done your homework and have an understanding of how you can lend a hand in reaching the company's aspirations.