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Include your name and contact information at the top of your cover letter. Try to find out who is responsible for interviewing/hiring someone for the position to which you’re applying and address your letter to that individual. Sometimes this information can be found on a company website or on a business information site like Manta.com. Providing someone’s name will get your cover letter (and resume) further along than the standard: “To Whom It May Concern.” It also shows that you’ve done some research — at least enough to know who’s who at the company.

In the opening paragraph of your cover letter be sure to clarify what it is you are writing about. Are you writing to see if that have any open positions? Are you writing in regards to a specific position? If you saw an online posting, provide the name of the site and the date it was accessed as well as the position title and any additional information that makes it clear who you are and the sort of position in which you are interested.

Research the company that will be interviewing you. Knowing the company’s background, competitors, and other information will make it easier for you to ask intelligent questions of the interviewer as well as give you insight into whether or not you are interested in working for a particular company. Manta.com offers a simple registration process that grants access to millions of free company profiles.

Modify your resume with the position description is mind. Research the company (use a site like Manta.com — which provides access to millions of free company profiles — to help you). Carefully review the details of the position and list your relevant experience accordingly. If needed, rewrite your skill descriptions to target the needs of the position/company. And remember, in the world of interviewing, you’re only as qualified as your resume says you are.