What I have learned from applications in the past

A few suggestions:

1. Avoid bulk mail applications
2. Inform yourself in advance about the company you would really like to work for
3. Try first to talk to someone in that firm before writing your application
4. Write an introductory letter that is appealing and believable
5. Add something surprising that might spark the reader's curiosity
6. Compile a reasonable, conclusive, comprehensible and logical CV
7. Don't cheat with your picture
8. But provide a picture in any case
9. Provide all relevant qualifications and certificates (of school and university degrees, earlier jobs, trainee sessions)
10. Package this all in an appealing form, make it easy to handle and easy to read
11. Have a surprise or something special in store for the interview in case you get invited
12. Bring additional copies of your resumé and portfolio to the interview, even if you think the interviewer already has it. It demonstrates preparedness.
13. Last but not least: Be authentic, be yourself.