Shift Link Spline Key?

I just installed a new clutch in my 2001 vw jetta. It
was my first time ever doing this mind you lol. My
shifter won't shift into any of the gears. I believe it
has to do with me removing the gear linkage and
putting it back together incorrectly. I watched so
many videos about how to do this, but I watched
one video specifically and he briefly mentions a
shift link spline key (a mark that signifies where to
put the gear link back onto the spline) All the other
videos don't say anything about this. Is this
important?

This is what I know to do so far... use a 5mm tool
to lock the shifter at home position, push the gear
link down and lock in home position, release all
tension in gear link (arms? Not sure what to call
them but the two gear link arms is what I wanna
call em) then release the coils, switch the gear link
lock off, take the 5mm tool out of the shifter and
run through the gears.