Transforming work dynamics: 80+ get-to-know-you questions

After being with your co-workers for a while, you’re probably well-aware of who they are, how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, and what you can expect from them.

But there are plenty of ways to change things up and transform work dynamics — and a powerful method is using “get to know you” questions.

Whether you’re new to the workplace or are looking to deepen connections with your colleagues, Jobcase has you covered with 81 effective get-to-know-you questions for work that will help you connect with your coworkers on a deeper level.

Build rapport with new teammates, strengthen bonds with long-time colleagues, and improve workplace culture with our questions — let’s dive in.

So what's a get-to-know-you question all about?

A “get to know you” question is your key to connecting with people on a deeper level and building stronger relationships, especially in the workplace. It

Why bother with get-to-know-you questions at work?

Get-to-know-you questions are real game-changers, as they help create a more positive and safe atmosphere.

As people become comfortable with each other, they're more likely to collaborate and work together toward common goals. And according to Zippia, top-performing employees spend 45% of their time collaborating!

Get-to-know-you questions can also champion diversity and inclusivity. It's natural to encounter hiccups in communication when new perspectives come together. Addressing those barriers with well-placed questions can pave the way to a more inclusive environment.

Connect with your coworkers: 81 get-to-know-you questions

Are you ready to harness the power of get-to-know-you questions in the workplace? Let's get started!

Career-based get-to-know-you questions

1. What was your first job?

2. Do you have a favorite job from the past?

3. What's your proudest career achievement?

4. Growing up, what did you aspire to be? Are you doing it now?

5. How'd you end up in your current field or position?

6. Are you involved in any side projects or gigs?

7. What's the most fascinating job you've ever had?

8. What's the most unusual thing a boss or coworker has ever done?

9. What's the most memorable experience you've had with a client or customer?

10. Have you mapped out a five-year plan? Care to share some highlights?

11. In your opinion, what qualities make a boss truly exceptional?

12. What traits make a coworker a valuable team member?

13. If you could, what advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career?

14. What's the most questionable career advice you've ever received?

15. How do you pass the time during your commute?

Career-focused questions are a fantastic way to delve into your colleagues' professional backgrounds, interests, and goals.

And these questions also give you an idea of what drives your coworkers and what they appreciate in a boss or teammate.

Home and family-based get-to-know-you questions

16. What's your family like?

17. Got any furry friends at home?

18. Were you the oldest, middle, or youngest kid?

19. Any unique family traditions you can share?

20. What's a favorite memory from your childhood?

21. What do you love doing with your family?

22. Which TV or movie family is most like yours?

23. Ever been to a family reunion? How'd it go?

24. Know much about your family's roots?

25. Who was your childhood BFF? Still in touch?

26. What's one favorite family tradition?

27. What's your go-to comfort food?

28. What's the weirdest grub you've ever tried?

Home and family questions provide connections through heartwarming memories, unique traditions, and shared interests. Plus, who doesn't love chatting about pets, childhood pals, or their all-time favorite foods?

Hobby and sport-based get-to-know-you questions

29. What hobbies do you enjoy?

30. How do you like to spend your free time?

31. Do you have a hidden talent?

32. Are you a sports fan? Which team do you support?

33. What's your favorite outdoor activity?

34. What was your go-to extracurricular activity in school?

35. When did you last attend a sports event?

36. Do you play any sports?

37. Can you play any musical instruments?

38. Do you enjoy cooking? Any favorite family recipes?

39. Planning a vacation anytime soon?

40. What are your top vacation spots?

41. Do you frequent the gym?

42. Are you into painting or drawing?

43. If you could pick a new hobby, what would it be?

Questions about hobbies and sports are great for uncovering your coworkers' interests and passions.

Not only can these questions bring to light unique talents and hobbies, but you might also find common ground — creating a more positive atmosphere.

Entertainment-based get-to-know-you questions

44. What's the last book you read?

45. Got a favorite author?

46. Which fictional character really speaks to you?

47. Is gaming your thing? What's your go-to video game?

48. What TV show(s) are you binging right now?

49. Seen any movie a bazillion times? Which one(s)?

50. Got a favorite book or movie? What is it?

51. Are you into podcasts? Which ones?

52. Love binge-watching Netflix? What's your go-to show?

53. What was the first concert you attended?

54. What was the last flick you saw in theaters?

55. Who's your favorite cartoon character?

56. What's your favorite board game?

57. What type of music gets you moving?

58. Who's your favorite actor?

Entertainment questions are great for finding common ground. Ask about their coworkers' favorite books, movies, or TV shows to learn about their tastes and preferences.

Miscellaneous get-to-know-you questions

59. Where would you go if you could travel anywhere?

60. What was your best subject in high school?

61. How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

62. Got a bucket list? What's on it?

63. Collect anything? How'd you start?

64. What's your favorite possession?

65. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

66. If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

67. Your most irrational fear?

68. Who's your fictional hero?

69. And your real-life hero?

70. The best (or worst) gift you've ever received (or given)?

71. A compliment you still remember today?

72. If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

73. Want an instant talent or ability? What would it be? Why?

Miscellaneous questions are engaging conversation-starters. They reveal unique traits, interests, and goals that might not come up otherwise.

Deeper get-to-know-you questions

74. What's a big challenge you've faced? How'd you overcome it?

75. A moment or experience that shaped you? How?

76. How have your core values and beliefs evolved?

77. Your greatest strength — how has it helped you?

78. How do you handle failures or setbacks? Lessons learned?

79. What have you always wanted to learn or achieve?

80. How do you define success and happiness? What are you doing to achieve them?

81. What skills add value to your life? How have you developed or enhanced them?

Deeper questions reveal insights into experiences, values, and beliefs. Asking about challenges or setbacks builds empathy, and discussing goals and achievements inspires and motivates.

3 tips for asking get-to-know-you questions

1. Active listening: When you ask get-to-know-you questions, really listen to your colleagues' responses. Engage with their answers, and ask follow-up questions to show them that you care.

2. Ask follow-up questions: Follow-up questions help you understand perspectives while keeping the conversation going. Choose open-ended questions, allowing your colleagues to expand on their responses.

3. Keep it positive: Maintain an upbeat and friendly tone in the conversation. Avoid questions that might be too personal or bring negativity.

Forge strong connections with your coworkers

Feeling butterflies about connecting with new coworkers? That's completely normal! Fortunately, these fun questions can help.

Dive in, start conversations, and witness the power of strong connections. You'll soon experience better teamwork, communication, and job satisfaction while avoiding awkward silences — contributing to a positive work environment. So take the initiative, and make a lasting impact!

Join the Jobcase community for more tips on connecting with coworkers.

And if you're ready to start a job search, visit our job board.