diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index cfb7a168..3f6478a6 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,29 +1,32 @@
 <!--
-# Have you read capa's CONTRIBUTING guide?
+Thank you for contributing to capa! :heart:
+
+IMPORTANT NOTE
+It's most important that you submit your improvements. So even if you don't use this complete template we look forward to collaborating!
+
+Please read capa's CONTRIBUTING guide if you haven't done so already.
 It contains helpful information about how to contribute to capa. Check https://github.com/fireeye/capa/blob/master/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md
 
-based on https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2017/08/04/a-github-pull-request-template-for-your-projects/
+PR template based on https://embeddedartistry.com/blog/2017/08/04/a-github-pull-request-template-for-your-projects/
 -->
 
 ### Description
 
+<!-- Please describe the changes in this PR. Including your motivation and context helps us to review. -->
+
 closes # (issue)
 
-<!-- Description of the PR -->
-
 ### Type of change
 
+Please update the [CHANGELOG.md](/CHANGELOG.md)
+
 - [ ] Bug fix (non-breaking change which fixes an issue)
 - [ ] New feature (non-breaking change which adds functionality)
 - [ ] Breaking change (fix or feature that would cause existing functionality to not work as expected)
 - [ ] This change requires a documentation update
+  - [ ] I have made the corresponding changes to the documentation
 
 ### Tests
 
 - [ ] I have added tests that prove my fix is effective or that my feature works
 - [ ] No new tests needed
-
-### Checklist
-
-- [ ] I have updated the [CHANGELOG.md](/CHANGELOG.md)
-- [ ] I have made corresponding changes to the documentation