How to Cite a Interview in MLA 9th Edition

This guide explains how to format a interview citation in MLA 9th Edition. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a interview in MLA 9th Edition:

Template

Interviewee Last, First. Interview. Conducted by Interviewer First Last. *Source*, Day Month Year.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Morrison)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your Works Cited:

Works Cited entry

Morrison, Toni. Interview. Conducted by Terry Gross. Fresh Air, NPR, 17 Nov. 2003.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Name the interviewee
List the interviewee in Last, First format as the author.
2
Add the interview title
If the interview has a specific title, place it in quotation marks. If not, use "Interview." (with a period) as a generic descriptor.
3
Include the interviewer
Write "Conducted by" followed by the interviewer's full name (First Last).
4
Add the source
Italicize the program, publication, or website name where the interview appeared. Follow with a comma.
5
Include the date
Add the date in Day Month Year format. End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the word "Interview" as the title when the interview has no formal title.
Forgetting to include the interviewer's name with "Conducted by."
Not italicizing the source or program name.
Using the wrong date format (should be Day Month Year).
Confusing the format for published interviews with personal interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a personal interview I conducted myself?

List the interviewee's name in Last, First format, followed by "Personal interview." and the date: Morrison, Toni. Personal interview. 17 Nov. 2003.

What if the interview has a specific title?

Use the title in quotation marks instead of the generic "Interview." descriptor: Morrison, Toni. "On Writing and Memory." Conducted by Terry Gross. Fresh Air, NPR, 17 Nov. 2003.

How do I cite an interview published in a book or anthology?

Treat the book as a container: Morrison, Toni. Interview. Conducted by Terry Gross. Conversations with Toni Morrison, edited by Carolyn Denard, UP of Mississippi, 2008, pp. 120--135.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your interview:

Interviewee
Interviewer
Title
Source/Program
Date
URL

Generate citations automatically with CiteDash

Stop formatting citations by hand. CiteDash automatically generates accurate MLA 9th Edition citations for all your sources while you research and write.

Start Free Trial More MLA 9th Edition Guides

Step-by-Step Guide

Name the interviewee

List the interviewee in Last, First format as the author.

Add the interview title

If the interview has a specific title, place it in quotation marks. If not, use "Interview." (with a period) as a generic descriptor.

Include the interviewer

Write "Conducted by" followed by the interviewer's full name (First Last).

Add the source

Italicize the program, publication, or website name where the interview appeared. Follow with a comma.

Include the date

Add the date in Day Month Year format. End with a period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the word "Interview" as the title when the interview has no formal title.

Forgetting to include the interviewer's name with "Conducted by."

Not italicizing the source or program name.

Using the wrong date format (should be Day Month Year).

Confusing the format for published interviews with personal interviews.