Majority of candidates re-use the same cover letter for every job application.
Here is how you can easily stand out from the crowd by including the right information in your cover letter.
Take 3 most important skills and experiences from the job description and write 2-3 lines for each one. Include examples of how you have used these skills in the past. Make sure to use the same language as the job description. Ensure that you are not just repeating your resume.
A good job description will include information about how the team works together. You should include a sentence about how you have worked in a similar team in the past. This shows the hiring manager that you will fit in with the team. If you have not worked in a similar team before, you can include a sentence about how you are looking forward to working in a similar team and why.
Most companies will have a vision and mission statement. Many will also have a set of values. You should include pick a value that is most important to you and demonstrate how in your past you have lived up to that value. This shows the hiring manager that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the company.
You should include these 5 points; 3 for skills, 1 for team-fit, 1 for company-fit; to have an effective cover letter that will make sure your resume stands out.