Covering letter when applying by email

[cuppateaandasliceofcake]

Hi, im not sure what the correct procedure is when applying for jobs via email. Should i just compose a brief email attaching a cv and covering letter, or should my email be the covering letter. Thanks

I always compose a proper formal covering letter and attach to email with CV, I keep the email brief just saying
"please find attached my cv and covering letter in application for your finance manager vacancy. If you require any further information please contact me using the following details...."

I attach cv and formal covering letter and then abridge the covering letter in the email contents to get their attention in case they can't be arsed to open the attachments.