Include a list of abstracts of papers you have written. Make sure that your cover letter is addressed to the right person. Follow up with a telephone call to ensure that your application was received and that the department is aware of your interest. Make sure that your application stands out from the rest. Being able to contact someone personally goes a long way.
Faculty are lately more amenable to sending an email recommendation letter.
Your Curriculum Vitae Put your most attractive asset at the head of your curriculum vitae. Your accomplishments need to be relevant for the last five years. The CV should be crisp, to the point and your strengths should be highlighted as they apply to the position. In the CV, faculty are looking at your thesis and topic. Other faculty will notice if a friend of theirs recommends you.