diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 66efca5cd000e7..56632fda4c67eb 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,21 +1,15 @@
 <!--
-Thank you for your pull request. Please provide a description above and review
-the requirements below.
+Before submitting a pull request, please read
+https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md.
 
-Bug fixes and new features should include tests and possibly benchmarks.
+Commit message formatting guidelines:
+https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/master/doc/guides/contributing/pull-requests.md#commit-message-guidelines
 
-Contributors guide: https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md
--->
-
-##### Checklist
-<!-- Remove items that do not apply. For completed items, change [ ] to [x]. -->
+For code changes:
+1. Include tests for any bug fixes or new features.
+2. Update documentation if relevant.
+3. Ensure that `make -j4 test` (UNIX), or `vcbuild test` (Windows) passes.
 
-- [ ] `make -j4 test` (UNIX), or `vcbuild test` (Windows) passes
-- [ ] tests and/or benchmarks are included
-- [ ] documentation is changed or added
-- [ ] commit message follows [commit guidelines](https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/master/doc/guides/contributing/pull-requests.md#commit-message-guidelines)
-
-<!--
 Developer's Certificate of Origin 1.1
 
 By making a contribution to this project, I certify that: