An investigation interview log tracks who needs to be interviewed, outreach attempts, scheduling status, completion status and follow-up. It is an interview-management record—not the place to duplicate detailed interview notes.
If you need a structure for documenting questions, responses, records mentioned and unresolved points, use the Interview Notes Template guide.
Interview log template fields
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Person/contact | Who may need to be interviewed |
| Role/relevance | Why the person may have relevant information |
| Contact attempt | Date, method and outcome of outreach |
| Interview status | Not contacted, scheduling, scheduled, completed or follow-up needed |
| Scheduled/completed date | When the interview is planned or occurred |
| Records promised | Information or materials expected after the interview |
| Next action | Specific follow-up still required |
Interview log vs. interview notes
The interview log answers: who needs contact, what attempts occurred, what is the current status and what follow-up remains? Interview notes document the substance and context of the conversation. Keeping these functions distinct prevents a scheduling/status list from becoming an unreadable narrative file.
Track contact attempts consistently
When multiple outreach attempts are needed, record the date, method and outcome. A controlled status such as not contacted, attempted, scheduling, scheduled, completed or follow-up needed makes the list easier to review.
Keep promised records and follow-up visible
If a participant agrees to provide a record or additional information, record the commitment and resulting next action. Do not rely on the narrative interview notes alone to remind you that something remains outstanding.
Connect interview status to the case
New dates can belong in the chronology, new sources in the source log and new investigative work in the lead/action tracker. The interview log should help route those items rather than becoming a second case file.
For workplace and HR investigations
The same structure can support lawful workplace fact-finding by keeping participant status, outreach, scheduled interviews, promised records and follow-up visible. See the HR Investigation Templates collection for connected chronology, interview, evidence and case-management resources.
Need interview notes and contact tracking together?
The $19 Interview Notes Template & Contact Log combines interview preparation, structured notes, outreach attempts, outcomes and follow-up in editable files.
Frequently asked questions
What is an investigation interview log?
A management record showing interview candidates, contact attempts, scheduling/completion status and resulting follow-up.
Should detailed interview notes go in the log?
Usually they are clearer as a separate interview record referenced from the log.
Is an interview log the same as a witness list?
Not necessarily. A witness/contact list identifies people; an interview log additionally tracks outreach, scheduling, completion and follow-up.
General organizational information only. Follow applicable law, policy, privacy requirements and professional standards.