Subject: should be precise and should be specific, personailize, update the

forwarded mail
There has to be a call for action. Provide a time frame.

Request for leave for one week

I would like you to permit me leave for one week (date) to attend my sister's
wedding at my native place(Ahmd, India).
I would like to discuss the same. Please mail me your convenient time.

Cover letter: should be 3 para long, address them with their name,

RESUME
use action verbs
reduce the number of lines
they test you in interviews - ask you in direct ques for gaps in resume.
Different resume for different org
start from current date - Achievements

SOP
It is a story.
John Hopkins SOP