Resume & cover letter tips:

Resume do's and don'ts (via Filter Talent)

• Tailor your résumé for a specific job, if possible. Focus on the genre of work you are pursuing and show how your prior experiences are fitting.
• Include the full month and year for dates of employment, not just the year. Explain employment gaps using professional language.
• List jobs in chronological order beginning with the most recent.
• Limit your résumé to 1-2 pages. Aim for 1 page unless you are senior in your position.
• Keep an updated PDF version of your resume accessible for download.
• Include awards and recognition you’ve received for your work.
• Don’t exaggerate your contributions, length of tenure, or skills.
• Don’t refer to yourself in the first person (“I”). Stick to short, powerful phrases about what you have accomplished as if a professional was writing about you on your behalf.
• Don’t include a photo of yourself or personal family information.
• Don’t include your high school under education unless you are new to the workforce or do not have college education to list.
  

A cover letter is SHORT, more personable, and custom crafted for each firm. Check out this example for starters.

The letter should include:
(1) briefly introduce yourself (e.g. a graphic design student from KCAI, graduating in 2010, inquiring about summer internship opportunities)
(2) explain the reason you're contacting them specifically (e.g. an internship at "X" design firm is what I'm interested because of such and such, my skills are an asset to you because of such and such)
(3) informing of your availability to interview, gratitude for consideration, etc.
(4) include your contact information
(5) lead them to the other components and reference your design work/work experience found there (e.g. links/pdf or additional pages of resume and portfolio)

If applying via email, the cover letter goes in the body of the email. If applying by mail, the cover letter and resume should be on the same designed letterhead.