Avoid irrelevant information. Focus on any skills and experiences that apply to the specific job. Use the first person ("I wish to apply for..) throughout the letter. Avoid jargon and clichés. The people who review cover letters and résumés are not always industry insiders; many are human resources specialists.
Use action verbs whenever possible. You must give the impression that you are capable of doing things. Be brief. Restrict your letter to one page. The longer the letter, the less likely the reader is to finish it.
Don't explain why you are leaving your present job. Instead, detail why you want this job. You can cover why you are leaving your present position during the interview.