This note simplifies the widely used parameter estimator methods, namely, method of moments (MOM) and probability weighted moment (PWM) for the three-parameter generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution for improved parameter estimation. The important shape parameter (κ) of the GEV distribution used in annual maximum series and partial duration series models is expressed as a function of skewness (γ) . Validity of the approximate PWM estimates of shape (κ) and, in turn, scale (α) and location (ξ) parameters is checked using the ratio of variance and bias with simulated data, whereas the MOM-approximated estimates are tested using standard error of quantile estimates. The resulting expressions exhibit better accuracy when applied to field data of five watersheds.