What Is an Interview Consent Form?

Interview Consent Form Definition

An interview consent form is a written document that a participant signs before taking part in an interview. It formally acknowledges that the individual has been fully informed about the purpose of the interview, how their responses will be used, whether the interview will be recorded, and what their rights are as a participant — including the unconditional right to withdraw at any time.

The term "consent" in this context refers to informed voluntary consent: the participant understands what they are agreeing to and is not being coerced or misled.

Purpose of an Interview Consent Form

The purpose of an interview consent form is threefold:

1. Protect participants: Ensures they are fully informed before agreeing to take part, know their rights, and can withdraw without penalty.
2. Protect researchers and interviewers: Creates a documented record that valid consent was obtained, protecting against claims that participation was coerced or uninformed.
3. Meet ethical and legal requirements: Satisfies IRB requirements for academic research, journalist ethics guidelines, and applicable data protection laws such as GDPR.

Who Needs an Interview Consent Form?

Is an Interview Consent Form a Legal Document?

An interview consent form creates a documented record of informed voluntary consent, which can have legal significance. Specifically:

• It is evidence that the participant was informed and agreed to participate voluntarily
• It documents agreed-upon recording and publication permissions
• For GDPR purposes, a properly completed consent form establishes a lawful basis for data processing
• It can protect a journalist or researcher if a source later disputes their quotes or claims they were misrepresented

However, an interview consent form is not a binding contract in the traditional legal sense — participants retain the right to withdraw their consent even after signing. Its enforceability depends on jurisdiction and context.

When Is an Interview Consent Form Required?

• Academic research interviews requiring IRB or ethics committee approval
• Dissertation and thesis research at all degree levels
• Any research that may be published or presented publicly
• Journalism interviews where recording is involved
• Podcast and documentary interviews for publication
• UX research sessions that are recorded
• Interviews with minors (also requiring parent/guardian consent)
• Medical or clinical research interviews
• Research subject to GDPR (EU residents)
• Employment interviews involving background check authorization

Are Consent Forms Required for Telephone Interviews?

Written consent forms are not always legally required for telephone interviews in all contexts. However:

• Recording laws: Many jurisdictions require consent from all parties before recording a telephone conversation ("two-party consent" or "all-party consent" laws)
• IRB requirements: For formal academic research, your IRB may require written consent even for phone interviews, or may accept oral consent recorded at the start of the call
• Best practice: Always send a written consent form before any telephone interview for research or journalism purposes

See our online interview consent form for a template that covers telephone and remote interview scenarios.

Why Would an Employer Send a Consent Form Before a Second Interview?

Employers may send a consent form before a second or subsequent interview for several reasons:

• Background check consent: In the US, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires written consent before conducting a background check. Many employers ask for this authorization before a second interview.
• Recording consent: Some employers record or assess interviews and require consent for this recording.
• Reference check authorization: Employers may seek consent to contact references or previous employers.
• Assessment consent: If the second interview includes psychometric testing or assessments, consent to use the results may be required.

Interview Consent Form vs. Media Release Form