Quick Fix: If you’re citing a personal interview, just drop the interviewee’s name and the phrase “personal communication” in parentheses right where you use the quote or idea. Add the date for APA style. No full citation needed in your references.
What’s the deal with personal interviews?
Personal interviews count as unpublished, private conversations. That’s why major style guides like APA, MLA, and Chicago don’t ask for a full entry in your bibliography or reference list. Instead, you give a quick citation in the text itself—usually the interviewee’s name plus the phrase “personal communication” with the date. It’s a neat way to credit the source without breaking confidentiality.
Here’s exactly how to do it
Follow these steps to nail the citation for a personal interview. The format changes depending on which style guide you’re using.
- Know your style: Double-check whether your assignment wants APA, MLA, or Chicago style. Each one treats personal interviews a little differently.
- Collect the basics: Write down the interviewee’s full name (first and last), the interview date, and how it happened (in person, phone, email, etc.).
- APA Style:
- Put this in your text: (J. Doe, personal communication, May 12, 2026)
- Skip the full citation in the reference list.
- MLA Style:
- Keep it short: ((Doe))
- No need to add the date or “personal communication” in the text.
- Chicago Style:
- Use a footnote: 1. Jane Doe, interview by John Smith, May 12, 2026.
- Skip the in-text citation unless you’re using the notes-bibliography style.
What if this approach doesn’t fit?
If your interview was published or recorded, you’ll need to adjust your citation. Here’s how to handle those cases.
- Published interview: If the interview shows up in a book, article, podcast, or online platform, treat it like any other published source.
- APA Example: (Smith, B. (2026, May 12). Technology trends in education. Educational Review.)
- MLA Example: Smith, Bruno. "Technology Trends in Education." Educational Review, 12 May 2026.
- Transcript or recording: If the interview was transcribed or recorded and made public, cite it as a document, not personal communication. Include the title, source, and date.
- Email interview: Even if it happened over email, APA still counts it as personal communication unless it’s published. Cite it like this: ((Doe, J., personal communication, May 12, 2026))
How to avoid citation headaches
Save yourself the hassle by getting organized early and confirming permissions up front.
- Save everything: Keep the interview summary, email thread, or audio recording. Store the date and participant names in your notes or citation manager.
- Get permission first: Always ask the interviewee if they’re okay with their comments being cited. Some people prefer to stay anonymous or go off the record.
- Build a template: Set up a reusable citation template in your notes app or word processor. Add fields for name, date, format, and consent notes to make future citations faster.
- Read the fine print: Some instructors or journals have their own rules. Check your syllabus or style guide to avoid format mistakes.
Why do personal interviews get special treatment?
Unpublished, private conversations don’t fit neatly into standard citation formats. That’s why style guides make exceptions for them. They want to protect confidentiality while still giving credit where it’s due.
Can I cite a personal interview in Chicago style without a footnote?
Not usually. Chicago style typically uses footnotes for personal interviews, though in-text citations may work in certain cases. Check your specific style requirements to be sure.
Do I need to include the interviewee’s email or phone number in the citation?
Nope. Personal interviews only need the interviewee’s name, the phrase “personal communication,” and the date. Keep contact details private unless the interview was published.
What if I interviewed someone but didn’t get their full name?
Use whatever name you have—first name, last initial, or even a pseudonym if that’s all you’ve got. Just make it clear in your notes who you spoke with.
Is an email interview always considered personal communication?
In most cases, yes—unless the email was published or shared publicly. If it’s just between you and the interviewee, treat it as personal communication.
What’s the easiest way to keep track of interview details?
Set up a simple spreadsheet or note template with columns for name, date, format, and consent notes. That way, you won’t have to dig through old emails later.
Can I cite a personal interview if the person asked to remain anonymous?
Yes, but you’ll need to protect their identity. Use initials or a pseudonym in your citation and keep their details private in your records.
What happens if I forget to cite a personal interview?
You could face accusations of plagiarism, even if it was just a quick conversation. Always cite personal interviews to stay on the safe side.
Do all style guides handle personal interviews the same way?
No. APA, MLA, and Chicago each have their own rules. Double-check your guide to make sure you’re following the right format.
Where can I find official examples for personal interview citations?
Your best bet is the official style guide for your citation format. APA’s website, MLA’s site, and Chicago’s manual all have clear examples you can follow.
What’s the most common mistake when citing personal interviews?
Leaving out the date or forgetting to use “personal communication” in APA style. Always double-check your format before submitting your paper.
Can I use a personal interview in my reference list?
Generally not. Personal interviews don’t belong in the reference list unless they were published or recorded and made public.
What if my instructor wants a full citation for a personal interview?
Ask for clarification. Some instructors may have different expectations, so it’s worth checking before you finalize your citations.
Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
