diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 4a72a8eac..6c9d97c04 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ Check out the [security policy](https://github.com/NixOS/nix/security/policy).
 
 2. Search for related issues that cover what you're going to work on. It could help to mention there that you will work on the issue.
 
-   Issues labeled ["good first issue"](https://github.com/NixOS/nix/labels/good-first-issue) should be relatively easy to fix and are likely to get merged quickly.
-   Pull requests addressing issues labeled ["idea approved"](https://github.com/NixOS/nix/labels/idea%20approved) are especially welcomed by maintainers and will receive prioritised review.
+   Issues labeled [good first issue](https://github.com/NixOS/nix/labels/good-first-issue) should be relatively easy to fix and are likely to get merged quickly.
+   Pull requests addressing issues labeled [idea approved](https://github.com/NixOS/nix/labels/idea%20approved) are especially welcomed by maintainers and will receive prioritised review.
 
 3. Check the [Nix reference manual](https://nixos.org/manual/nix/unstable/contributing/hacking.html) for information on building Nix and running its tests.
 
@@ -40,10 +40,10 @@ Check out the [security policy](https://github.com/NixOS/nix/security/policy).
 4. Make your changes!
 
 5. [Create a pull request](https://docs.github.com/en/pull-requests/collaborating-with-pull-requests/proposing-changes-to-your-work-with-pull-requests/creating-a-pull-request) for your changes.
-   * [Mark the pull request as draft](https://docs.github.com/en/pull-requests/collaborating-with-pull-requests/proposing-changes-to-your-work-with-pull-requests/changing-the-stage-of-a-pull-request) if you're not done with the changes.
-   * Make sure to have [a clean history of commits on your branch by using rebase](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-rebase-and-update-a-pull-request).
    * Link related issues in your pull request to inform interested parties and future contributors about your change.
+   * Make sure to have [a clean history of commits on your branch by using rebase](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/how-to-rebase-and-update-a-pull-request).
      If your pull request closes one or multiple issues, note that in the description using `Closes: #<number>`, as it will then happen automatically when your change is merged.
+   * [Mark the pull request as draft](https://docs.github.com/en/pull-requests/collaborating-with-pull-requests/proposing-changes-to-your-work-with-pull-requests/changing-the-stage-of-a-pull-request) if you're not done with the changes.
 
 6. Do not expect your pull request to be reviewed immediately.
    Nix maintainers follow a [structured process for reviews and design decisions](https://github.com/NixOS/nix/tree/master/maintainers#project-board-protocol), which may or may not prioritise your work.