What do you recommend for a resume cover letter?

[Orrex]

What's the convention? Should I craft a three-sonnet summary of my overwhelming fabulousness, or should I stick with something more conventional?

What sort of information should be included? Or should it just be a statement of your wishes to be hired blah blah blah?

[MonkeyFunk]

1. screw resumes

show up unannounced and a perform an interpretive dance.

[Orrex]

2. No way am I going through that again.

I've been stuck in my current job for seven years because HR didn't like my bumping and grinding.

[datasuspect]

3. a powerpoint presentation of hardcore pornography

blacks on blondes, stuff like that.

[Breeze54]

4. I'm sure you know that you have to sell yourself...

Resumes & Cover Letters
http://www.rileyguide.com/letters.html

* Cover Letters & Other Correspondence
* Submitting Writing Samples to Employers
* References & Recommendations
* Disclosing Salary Requirements
* A Different Kind of Rejection Letter

Resume Preparation and Posting

* Help With Your Resume and CV
* Preparing Your Resume for Emailing or Posting on the Internet -- article
* Noting Your "Right-to-Work" and Security Clearance on Your Resume -- article
* Resume Databases and Distribution Services
* Executive Resume Mailing Services

I've read that a lot of people are now using video and cd's to submit their resumes.
Make a video of yourself!

PS. Make sure you don't use the 'buzz' words that they screen for . You'll be shredded!

[philosophie_en_rose]

5. It's pretty simple.

I. Introduction
You are .... You are applying for..., which you were referred to by ...

II. Body
Why are you qualified for this job? What kind of relevant experience relates to this new position?

III. Closing
Thank them for their time and plan a followup.

[petronius]

6. A clear summary of your strengths and why you're the best choice for the job

Make it clear that you are writing for that particular job - don't make it look like a form letter (tailor your resume for the specific job, as well). Show that your familiar with the company and the position. Be honest, but don't undermine yourself or discuss your weaknesses (if any). And so on...

[Fuzz]

7. A friend of mine recieved one on a cocktail napkin once.

It was for an industrial design position, and those people can be strange, so he was intrigued enough to allow an interview. :)

[necso]

8. I included a poem once

with a job application.

Of course, I didn't really want the job (I was being pressured by my SO).

Normally, I'd highlight in the cover-letter things not necessarily appropriate in the resume (particular desirables of the job; your match to job requirements) -- and things from the ad itself (along with the usual "enthusiasm").

However, I'd say that tailoring one's resume to the ad (what else you can learn about the company, the job, etc) is also a good idea.