In the age of sending resumes by email, the covering letter needs to do some things and avoid some things.

Things your covering letter/note should do:

>Quick snapshot

Who are you, what are you applying for and why are you interesting.

>Grab Attention

That’s right.
see How much time does a recruiter spend on your resume?

>Make it easier for the recruiter

Things your covering letter/note should avoid:

>Look like a normal printed/physical covering letter

>Confuse the recruiter

>Visually unappealing.

Want an awesome e-cover letter?

Do the following:

> Make sure the subject of the email is packed with critical information

‘Applying for Executive Chef/12.00 yrs. exp/Diploma/(Hotel Management)/Bangalore/Working as Master Chef with XYZ

Immediately, in the subject itself the recruiter can get a very good snapshot of your basic credentials.

>Use proper grammar for the note

Do not say ‘Hi’. Its easy to become informal in emails.
This is business, very serious business, avoid familiarity.
‘Greetings’ is a better way to open/start the note.

>Mark the email to the concerned person as far as possible.

If a generic email id is the only one mentioned, address it ‘Dear Sir or Madam:’

> Mention the Job Code as you see in the advertisement

If you are applying for something not advertised for, then mention that very clearly. e.g. ‘This is in response to your advert in TOI, dt 12/Dec’ or ‘I understand you are not currently recruiting. I am looking for an opportunity as ……..’

> Forget Attachments
Forget attachments. Put your resume in the mail. It is cumbersome to open attachments. Its also quicker.