Write whatever fits in with the company's hiring process. If that includes a cover letter, write a SHORT one. A traditional (formal) one might be something li

Write whatever fits in with the company's hiring process. If that includes a cover letter, write a SHORT one. A traditional (formal) one might be something like: > Dear Sir/Madam, > My name is scabarott and I am a Something Engineer with N years of experience. As shown in my CV I my strenghs are [something impressive, don't be boring]. I think this will make me a good fit with your team and am looking forward to your reply. > Yours Faithfully, > scabarott Once I saw a tech company trying to be hip by saying don't send a cover letter, but then later asking for a short description of what makes you great. I thought it was silly, because that description just was the cover letter. But it was also wise because it set expectations well, and prevented people bloating out their letters. P.S: The informal e-mail you my attach a CV to and the dead-tree cover letter are really the same thing, just tweaked sighlty for different technologies and traditions.