1.Do NOT use a standard cover letter from the internet I mean come on, do you really think employers have not caught on? They have internet too and will know in a second if it's a standard template that you just pasted from google!
2.2. Advertise qualifications unique to you write some qualifications that will make the employer scratch his head and say "wow this kids got something" it may take creative outside the box thinking but it will be worth it remember there are a lot of "average joes" applying what have you done to stand out?
3.3. Snail Mail I know it sounds crazy and a word your kids may never hear (or even see) but it does exist. The fact that regular mail has decreased significantly lately will make your cover letter and resume stand out if you decide to take that avenue and send it. Yes, a stamp may cost a little bit but think about the potential return over here! I mean practically you can just delete that email in less than a second but going through mail is a much more time consuming process and can give you that edge..
4.4. Use an eye catching and easy to read font meaning try not to use fonts like Algerian or Agency FB (you may not have heard of them but if you check on Microsoft word you'll see why they're not exactly my cup of tea for a cover letter) howevera nice font like this can help you distinguish yourself from other candidates. Studies have actually shown that fonts such as cambria and Times New Roman are easier to read on hard paper than fonts such as Arial, Berlin Sans and others
5.5. Offer an impressive reference although a sibling or parent can probably vouch for your hard work this isn't going catch the employers attention the way a reference for a professor or former employer would. If you had a previous success in a past job mention it! Remember you are selling yourself over here and have nothing to lose. Flex all the connections you've got!!
6.6. Mention the Position you're looking for and how you heard about it if you have a family friend in the company that told you about this position, thisis your time to mention it! Don't expect the HR team know that you werereferred by somebody they are processing many applications and if youhad some sort of connection to the company make sure to say!

Sam Neumark is a writer for www.Voolkan.com, the worlds simplest and newest job searching site. Check out some of Sam's articles on the Voolkan.com blog at http://www.voolkan.com/blog/.