diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index cba9c4646f..acced509cb 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,17 +1,26 @@
+<!-- Thanks for opening a new PR!
+
+Before you click submit, please consult the Checklist below. Note, that you still can add new commits to your branch before submitting the PR.
+-->
+
 ## Description
 
 <!--Describe what was done and why (mandatory). The description should help the reviewer to understand what the PR is about and which decisions have been made.
 
-If the PR solves an issue then provide a link to that issue. -->
+If the PR solves an issue then provide a link to that issue using format `Closes #<xxx>` or `Fixes #<xxx>` (replace`<xxx>` with issue number)
+-->
 
 ## Checklist
 
-<!-- Following checklist may be skipped in some cases -->
-- [ ] PR description added
-- [ ] tests are added
-- [ ] KtLint has been applied on source code itself and violations are fixed
-- [ ] [documentation](https://pinterest.github.io/ktlint/) is updated
+Before submitting the PR, please check following (checks which are not relevant may be ignored):
+- [ ] Commit message are well written. In addition to a short title, the commit message also explain why a change is made.
+- [ ] At least one commit message contains a reference `Closes #<xxx>` or `Fixes #<xxx>` (replace`<xxx>` with issue number)
+- [ ] Tests are added
+- [ ] KtLint format has been applied on source code itself and violations are fixed
 - [ ] `CHANGELOG.md` is updated
+- [ ] PR description added
 
-In case of adding a new rule:
-- [ ] Rule is added to [rules documentation](https://pinterest.github.io/ktlint/rules/standard/)
+[Documentation](https://pinterest.github.io/ktlint/) is updated. See [difference between snapshot and release documentation](https://github.com/pinterest/ktlint/tree/master/documentation)
+- [ ] [Snapshot documentation](https://github.com/pinterest/ktlint/tree/master/documentation/snapshot) in case documentation is to be released together with a code change
+- [ ] [Release documentation](https://github.com/pinterest/ktlint/tree/master/documentation/release-latest) in case documentation is related to a released version of ktlint and has to be published as soon as the change is merged to master 
+- [ ] In case of adding a new rule, it needs to be added to [experimental rules documentation](https://pinterest.github.io/ktlint/latest/rules/experimental/)