diff --git a/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/adding_a_recipe.rst b/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/adding_a_recipe.rst
index 6785fb0ec9..44c315bb4e 100644
--- a/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/adding_a_recipe.rst
+++ b/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/adding_a_recipe.rst
@@ -11,11 +11,9 @@ How to add a recipe to the |RTW|
    ``esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/recipe_test_workflow/site/``
    directory.
 
-#. Open an [ESMValTool issue](https://github.com/ESMValGroup/ESMValTool/issues/new)
+#. Open a `New ESMValTool issue`_
    on GitHub, assign yourself to the issue, and add the `Recipe Test Workflow (RTW)`
-   label to the issue, see
-   [ESMValTool: Issue #3663](https://github.com/ESMValGroup/ESMValTool/issues/3663)
-   for an example.
+   label to the issue (see `ESMValTool example issue`_).
 
 #. Create a branch.
 
diff --git a/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/common.txt b/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/common.txt
index 2794dfe3ce..96ac6f4d45 100644
--- a/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/common.txt
+++ b/esmvaltool/utils/recipe_test_workflow/doc/source/common.txt
@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@
 
 .. Links
 
+.. These URL's can be used via reference-style links.
+
 .. _Autoassess landsurface soilmoisture: https://docs.esmvaltool.org/en/latest/recipes/recipe_autoassess_landsurface_soilmoisture.html#available-recipes-and-diagnostics
 .. _Consecutive dry days: https://docs.esmvaltool.org/en/latest/recipes/recipe_consecdrydays.html
 .. _CMIP Documentation: https://www.wcrp-climate.org/wgcm-cmip