To impress a potential employer, let them know that you targeted their company and not just the job opening. If you know which part of the job marketplace excites you, you should also know the major players. Getting hired by someone that has a large influence in the industry is a great way to show that you are a quality hire, should you eventually have to look elsewhere for the next step of your career path. It can also be exciting to work within a company that is setting the trends in the industry that fascinates you.

The best way to profile companies is to look at their websites. Find out what projects they have worked on and what their company culture is like before you get an interview or write a cover letter. Always give a good reason why you find the company to be a good match for you and what you seek to contribute to them. A good employer has more than enough people applying, so you want to be able to stand out from the crowd.