When submitting a Cover Letter, it would definitely be helpful to include specific information relating to the Hiring Manager. Include some accomplishment or recent quotation from an interview. This will allow you as the applicant to establish an immediate relationship with this individual. It also shows that you are one who has thoroughly researched the potential employer.

Make sure the information you recite is not too political or controversial. The individual may have been disciplined by the employer for such statements and would probably not want to revisit the situation, nor provide an explanation as to why such statements were made.

Social Networking websites may also be a good source of information (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc..). If you decide to use the Social Web for information, do not sound to invasive. Only document that which is “industry-related.”