In Dear Libby, Guy Kawasaki summarizes in one place all the "best" techniques for applying for a job: knowing the company, the product, the job, and the hiring manager--and then tailoring your messaging to those. Every word matters and he explains why certain phrases were chosen. Pass this along to your children, nephews and nieces and your friends' kids who are just entering the workforce.
Update: Stephanie Tate is the university relations manager for Yahoo! who took a look at the cover email and resume and critiqued them.