Meeting new people can be intimidating, especially when you’re not sure how to jump-start the conversation in an engaging way to get to know each other. We got your back!
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a good getting-to-know-you question, a few tips to have a more engaging conversation, and 425 question ideas to get your conversations going!
What Are Good Getting-to-Know-You Questions?
Good getting-to-know-you questions prompt people to open up and share more about themselves in a fun, engaging, and non-awkward way. They are usually open-ended and crafted in such a way that can boost someone’s confidence and desire to connect with you.
Putting extra thought into your getting-to-know-you questions helps make people feel at ease and breaks the ice as you build a connection with someone.
Here are the elements of a good getting-to-know-you question:
- All about the person you’re getting to know (not about what they think of you!)
- Take into consideration a little bit of what you might already know about them
- Not sideways attempts to collect gossip about others they might know
- Help someone share their likes, dislikes, ideas, and opinions
- Help you both discover things you might have in common
Warning: Not all getting-to-know-you questions are alike. Just because a question gets people to open up doesn’t necessarily mean the timing is right. For example, if you’re just starting to get to know someone, you might steer away from deeply personal questions about past traumas or questions about their views on the current political climate. Deeply personal questions like these are best reserved for later in the relationship-building process.
425 Questions to Ask When Getting to Know Someone
Basic getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter when meeting someone at a networking event, party, or meet-up?
Try some of these questions to build rapport before diving in deeper.
- What’s something new you’ve learned recently?
- What’s the highlight of your week?
- Do you have pets? Tell me more!
- What are you grateful for today?
- What’s your favorite kind of weather?
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
- What’s the best-kept secret about where you grew up?
- What’s the best-kept secret about where you live now?
- What was the last movie you saw, and how was it?
- What’s the last TV show you binged and loved?
- What’s the last book you read, and how was it?
- What are your plans this weekend?
- What are your plans for the upcoming holiday?
- Where’s your favorite place to go on vacation?
- What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
- What’s your personality type?
- Who is your favorite author?
- What was your first job?
- What podcasts do you recommend listening to?
- What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say ‘think of a happy memory’?
- What made you laugh today?
- Do you prefer sweet or savory snacks?
- What’s your favorite food?
- Where did you grow up?
- What do you like to do for fun?
Work getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter to use at work? Try some of these engaging ideas!
- What’s the best part about your job?
- What’s the most challenging part of your job?
- If you could change one thing about your job or workplace, what would it be?
- What was the best part of your work week?
- What was the most challenging thing about your work week?
- What’s it like to work on your team?
- What part of your workday are you the most focused on?
- What part of your workday do you feel the most creative?
- Do you get more done in the morning or afternoon?
- What’s your take on four-day work weeks?
- Do you ever work past five? Why or why not?
- What keeps you motivated at work?
- What’s your take on hybrid, remote, or on-site workplaces?
- What makes you feel appreciated at work?
- What’s your dream job?
- What’s one job you would never do, even for a million dollars?
- What do you think makes a great leader?
- What’s your take on using AI at work?
- What’s the best workplace appreciation gift you’ve ever gotten?
- What was your most embarrassing moment at work?
- What do you do when you hit a wall and lack motivation at work?
- How is your office decorated?
- Have you ever tried a standing desk? Why or why not?
- What’s the first thing you do in the morning to get your workday started?
- Do you check your email after hours? Why or why not?
Watch our video below to learn how to start a conversation with anyone using these killer conversation starters:
Team-building getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter to help you get to know your teammates? Try some of these non-boring questions to build trust and learn how to work with each other better.
- What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on these days?
- What’s the most undervalued professional skill? Why?
- What’s a skill you’re grateful others have that you don’t have?
- What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
- What’s the appropriate amount of time to show up before a meeting?
- What’s been your most awkward remote video call experience?
- What was the most awkward team-building experience you’ve ever had?
- What is the most underrated way to motivate a team?
- What is the most overrated way to motivate a team?
- What’s your take on motivational speakers at staff events?
- What’s one thing you hope never changes about where you work?
- Are you a fan of change and variety, or do you prefer consistency and structure?
- If someone puts you on the spot to speak up in a meeting unprepared, how do you react?
- What’s something you’re most proud of in your career?
- What’s the best way for your teammates to communicate with you regarding difficult feedback?
- When is the best time to email you, the instant message you, or call you during the workday?
- What kind of tasks are you glad to delegate if you are able?
- What’s your commute to work like? What do you listen to or read on your way in?
- Do you hope to climb the ladder at work or become a master of your craft where you are?
- What are the top three indicators someone is trustworthy at work?
- What kind of tasks drain you at work?
- If you had the opportunity to change how your job is done today completely, what would you do to make it more efficient or exciting?
- What are your biggest workplace pet peeves?
- What initially got you interested in the industry you’re working in now?
- How do your closest colleagues describe you?
New boss getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter for a new boss? Try some of these questions to set your relationship on the right foot.
- What projects are you looking forward to getting into most?
- Do you enjoy planning ahead or taking things as they come?
- What’s the best way to gain your trust?
- What’s your take on work-life balance?
- What kind of projects energize you the most?
- What’s the best way to show you support as you transition on the team?
- What’s your preferred way to connect about projects?
- What’s your leadership style?
- What’s the best way to show your appreciation?
- What are your communication pet peeves?
- What led you to this career?
- What’s something different about this job compared to your last job?
- What’s one thing you’re excited to contribute to the team or company?
- What’s something people often get wrong about you?
- What is your philosophy on success and failure?
- What kind of advice do people often come to you for?
- What does your ideal workday look like?
- What’s your preferred method to receive updates about progress?
- What are your priority goals this season?
- What’s your decision-making process like?
- What stands out to you about working here so far?
- What kind of qualities do you appreciate most in a supportive team?
- What kind of things worked well in your previous role?
- What part of your new role do you feel most confident about?
- What’s the best way to approach you with new ideas?
Silly getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter to use with friends or family to set a fun mood?
Try some of these silly questions!
- Do you put your right leg or left leg in your pants first?
- What’s your take on dressing up pets in costumes?
- Are you a dog person or a cat person? Why?
- Would you rather be an excellent singer, dancer, or magician? Why?
- What’s your biggest pet peeve?
- What is the last dream you remember? What happened?
- If you came with a disclaimer, what would it say?
- Do you have a catchphrase you say all the time? What is it?
- Who’s listed in your favorites on your contact list? Why?
- What goes through your mind when picking out your outfit for the day?
- What’s the tenth photo in your photo album on your phone? Can you explain?
- What TV show or movie are you embarrassed to admit you love?
- Have you ever fully engaged in a kid’s TV show without any kids around? What was it?
- Can you do any impressions? What are they?
- What’s the silliest or dumbest way you’ve injured yourself?
- What’s the most annoying song you secretly love on the radio these days?
- What would you do to prepare for a zombie apocalypse?
- If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would you choose and why?
- If you started a band with five of your closest friends, what would the band’s name be? What kinds of songs would you sing?
- What was your favorite breakfast cereal growing up? How about today?
- When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
- What have you done that others would find weird or surprising?
- What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?
- What’s the weirdest or silliest way you’ve been asked out on a date or to a dance?
Hobby getting-to-know-you questions
Want to get to know about someone’s hobbies and interests? Try some of these hobby questions to learn more!
- Do you have any hidden talents people don’t know about?
- How do you like to spend your free time?
- What’s a hobby you were really into as a kid?
- What hobby are you really into as an adult that your childhood self would be embarrassed about?
- What kinds of things do you like to do to relax?
- What do you like to do to get your juices flowing?
- What’s your favorite way to exercise?
- What’s one thing you wish you were skilled at?
- Who is your favorite sports team, and why?
- What kind of music are you listening to lately?
- What was the last concert you went to, and how was it?
- What band would you love to see live?
- What was the last play you saw? What was it like?
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?
- Where do you spend most of your time on the weekends?
- Do you have any collections? What kind?
- What kinds of things do you like to do in your alone time?
- How do you think you’ll spend your time when you retire?
- What’s your favorite board game?
- What games do you play on your phone?
- What’s your favorite meal to cook?
- Do you enjoy gardening? What are you growing this year?
- Is there a hobby you only partake in because your partner is into it?
- When was the last time you did something artistic? What did you create?
- What kinds of projects are you working on for fun outside of work?
Values-based getting-to-know-you questions
Want to get to know someone on a deeper level? Try some of these questions about values to take the conversation to another level.
- What’s one thing your generation values the most?
- What’s one piece of advice you’ll never forget?
- What’s the worst advice you’ve ever gotten?
- What qualities do you admire most in others?
- Who had the biggest impact on your life growing up and why?
- What’s something that recently inspired you?
- Who’s the most inspiring person you know?
- What’s a hard lesson you’ve had to learn?
- How have your beliefs changed since you were younger?
- What is your daily routine like?
- What habits have you adopted that help you stay motivated?
- Do you have any tips on how to form good habits or break bad ones?
- Do you own anything sentimental you can never get rid of?
- What do you do to recover from a bad day?
- What do you do when you need an energy boost?
- What do you value most about your family?
- What do you value most about your friends?
- If you had a million dollars and you had to give it away, where would you donate it?
- What’s one topic you could talk about for hours?
- What’s your family like?
- What do you love to learn about?
- If you could do something you’ve always wanted to do, had all the money and skills you needed to do it, and knew you could not fail, what would you do?
- What’s the best motivational speech you’ve ever heard and why?
- Where do you like to donate your money or time when you can?
- Do you have a life motto? What is it?
Dating getting-to-know-you questions
Going on a date and not sure what to ask? Try some of these dating questions to get to know someone!
- What’s the number one quality you look for in a partner?
- If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
- If we met ten years ago, what’s the biggest thing that would be different about you?
- What are the top three life events that have contributed to who you are today?
- What kind of things make you feel hopeful about the future?
- What’s your love language?
- Do you have any relationship deal-breakers? What are they?
- What are you doing when the time feels like it’s flying by?
- What makes you different from everyone else?
- What are the top five things you’re most grateful for in life?
- What’s your first step when you’re faced with a difficult decision?
- What makes you feel loved and appreciated in a relationship?
- How do you define success?
- Do you prefer a night in or a night in the town? Why?
- What’s your relationship with your family like?
- What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
- Do you prefer taking things slow or moving forward quickly?
- How would you describe your perfect weekend?
- Would you describe yourself as spontaneous or structured? Why?
- Growing up, were you rebellious or a rule follower?
- What’s the best example of love in your life?
- What do your friends and family rely on you for the most?
- If you could be famous, what would you want to be known for?
- What’s the most annoying thing about dating these days?
- What’s one personal comfort you couldn’t live without?
Student getting-to-know-you questions
Want to get to know the students in your life a bit better? Try asking some of these questions to discover more about who they are and what they’re learning.
- What’s your favorite subject to study?
- Who are your favorite teachers, and why?
- What’s your hardest subject?
- What do you think students are struggling with the most these days?
- What do you wish non-students knew about student life today?
- If you could change one thing about the school system, what would it be?
- What keeps you motivated to study?
- How much time do you like to have to write a paper?
- What’s your take on group projects?
- Do you prefer being a team leader or a team contributor? Why?
- Are class presentations intimidating or exciting for you? Why?
- Which social media platform is best for connecting with friends? Why?
- Have you ever skipped school? What did you do?
- What do you do to calm yourself before a big test?
- What are your go-to emojis?
- What helps you feel better when you’re down?
- What’s the most important quality of a teacher?
- How do your friends and family describe you?
- What kinds of things come easily to you that seem harder for others?
- If you could go on a dream field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you want to go, and what would you want to learn more about?
- What’s your opinion on grades? Do you think they are helpful or not? Why?
- What are you looking forward to learning about this year?
- What do you think makes others feel included at school?
- Would you rather do homework or chores?
- Have you ever used YouTube to help you learn something? Who are the most helpful YouTubers?
Kids getting-to-know-you questions
Want to start an engaging conversation with the kids in your life? Try some of these engaging questions to build a connection.
- What kind of qualities do you look for in a friend?
- If you were president, what would be the first law you’d put in place?
- If someone wrote a book about you, what would be the title?
- What’s the best joke you’ve ever heard?
- What’s the worst way your parents/guardians have embarrassed you?
- Who do you look up to the most?
- What’s something you wish adults understood about you?
- Which fictional book character do you relate to the most? Why?
- What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends?
- What’s one thing you wish you knew how to do?
- What do you think you’ll be like when you’re an adult?
- If you could send a message to your adult self, what would you want to ensure they never forget about being a kid?
- If you could be an animal for a day, what would you be?
- What’s something you think kids do better than adults?
- What’s one thing you wish you could fix about the world?
- What’s one word you would use to describe your family? Why?
- What do you like most about your family?
- If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
- What’s your favorite way to have fun?
- What makes you different from all your friends and family members?
- What’s one movie you can watch over and over and not get bored? Why?
- If you were a superhero, what would your superhero name be?
- What’s your favorite toy and why?
- What do you want to do on your next birthday?
- Would you rather ride an elephant or a dolphin? Why?
Fun getting-to-know-you questions
Want to put someone at ease? Ask some of these fun, non-threatening getting-to-know-you questions.
- What’s the best style of pizza?
- What’s your favorite go-to snack?
- What’s your favorite dessert?
- What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten for your birthday?
- What’s your favorite holiday and why?
- Who are your favorite people to travel with, and why?
- If you were to go on a solo trip, where would you go, and what would you do?
- Where’s the best place to get ice cream?
- What’s your favorite restaurant?
- Where is one place you’ve been that you never want to return to, and why?
- What’s your favorite way to treat yourself when you want to splurge?
- What was the most popular toy when you were a kid? Did you have one?
- Have you ever been on a blind date? What was it like?
- What’s the last thing in your Google search history?
- If you could be a superhero, what would be your ideal superpower?
- What actor/actress would play you in a movie about your life?
- If someone donated all the money you’d need to start a business, what kind of business would you start?
- What’s the first thing you usually think about when you wake up?
- Do you think birth order affects personality? Why or why not?
- What was your favorite age of childhood?
- Have you ever had or thrown a surprise party? What was it like?
- What’s your favorite room in your house and why?
- What’s’ on your bucket list?
- Do you prefer the beach, mountains, desert, plains, or forests? Why?
- Do you prefer rural areas or cities? Why?
Funny getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter that will get people to laugh? Try some of these ideas!
- What’s the funniest movie you’ve ever seen?
- What’s the funniest TV show you’ve ever seen?
- When was the last time you laughed to tears? What happened?
- What’s your most embarrassing moment?
- What’s the most embarrassing thing a parent/guardian has ever done while you were growing up?
- What outfit did you wear growing up that you’d be mortified to be seen in today?
- What’s your spirit animal?
- Who is your celebrity crush? Why?
- What song is stuck in your head these days?
- What’s your go-to karaoke song? Why?
- Are you someone who names your car? If so, what’s your car’s name?
- What’s your go-to dance move at parties or weddings?
- Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
- If you’re being introduced on stage, what’s the best song someone could play to represent your personality while you’re walking out?
- What’s trendy right now that you think is ridiculous?
- What’s the most embarrassing gift you’ve ever received in front of your friends or family?
- What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever said on a date?
- Do you have any funny nicknames? How did you get them?
- What is a surefire way to make you laugh?
- What’s the funniest thing your pet has done recently?
- Who is your favorite comedian? What’s their best joke or story?
- What combination of foods do you eat that others might be surprised to find out?
- What’s the last YouTube or TikTok video that made you laugh out loud?
- When was the last time a child embarrassed you in public? What happened?
- What’s the best or worst pickup line you’ve ever heard of?
Introvert getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter to try with the introverts in your life? Try some of these non-threatening ideas to help them open up.
- When is your birthday?
- What’s your favorite music to listen to on rainy days?
- How do you like your coffee or tea?
- What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
- Where did you go to school? How did you like it?
- What would be the title of your memoir if you were to write one?
- What’s your favorite way to spend alone time?
- What book, movie, or TV show changed your outlook on life?
- What fictional place would be most exciting to live in?
- How long have you been working at X?
- What’s one thing you wish others knew about you?
- What’s your opinion on why more introverts should be leaders?
- What’s something you’ve learned about yourself recently?
- What new ideas have you been pondering lately?
- What’s something you’ve learned the hard way?
- What kind of creative projects are you working on these days?
- Do you enjoy journaling? What’s your favorite journaling method?
- I’m trying to figure out how to do X. What would you do in my shoes?
- What do you think about when you can’t fall asleep?
- What are the significant life events that marked each decade of your life?
- What’s your opinion on the existence of parallel universes?
- If you could invite any five people from history to dinner, who would you invite, and what topic would you want to talk about or listen to them talk about?
- What’s something you observe about others that most people miss?
- When you have a big idea, how do you like to share it?
- When was the last time you were so inspired you started to cry?
Interesting getting-to-know-you questions
Need a conversation starter that goes beyond some of the basics? Try some of these ideas to learn some interesting facts about someone!
- Do you speak any other languages? Which ones? Why did you choose to learn?
- What’s something you’ve changed your mind about over the years?
- If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
- If you could, would you be friends with yourself? Why or why not?
- What is your ideal dream home? And where would it be located?
- What’s your most prized possession?
- Who knows you better than anyone else? How would they describe you?
- What’s the earliest memory you can think of?
- What’s one thing that can always make your day better?
- What’s the last risk you’ve taken? Was it worth it?
- What’s your opinion on regrets?
- What do you know more about than the average person?
- Do you have any useless talents? What are they?
- Who is the strangest person in your family?
- What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
- If you put together a music playlist to represent your life, what are the top five songs?
- How did you meet your significant other?
- What do you wish people asked you about more often?
- If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
- What makes someone a great boss?
- When was the last time you cried in front of someone? What happened?
- What’s the best date you’ve ever been on? What did you do?
- How do you show people you love them?
- Do you prefer to be cheered up or left alone when you’ve had a bad day?
- If you could go to college all over again, what would you do differently?
Random getting-to-know-you questions
Looking for a conversation starter, someone maybe hasn’t heard before? Try some of these random ideas and see how people respond.
- If you could time travel, where would you go, and who would you see?
- What’s one thing you’ve been procrastinating about lately? Why?
- What’s one thing you feel ok telling a white lie about?
- What’s the nicest car you’ve ever driven or been in?
- What quotes do you like to refer to for inspiration?
- What’s your favorite day of the week? Why?
- What kind of music do you listen to for a boost?
- What’s your favorite scent? What does it remind you of?
- Are there any movies you can almost quote completely? Which one?
- Do you have any irrational fears? What are they?
- When was the last time you were totally out of your comfort zone? What happened?
- What’s your favorite go-to joke?
- Do you enjoy dressing up for Halloween? What’s the best costume you’ve ever worn?
- What’s the most ridiculous lie you told as a child?
- What’s your most frequented app on your phone?
- What’s your most unpopular opinion these days?
- What’s your go-to drink at a bar?
- Do you have any tattoos or want any tattoos? What do they mean?
- What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
- What area of your life are you trying to improve these days?
- What was one of the scariest moments of your life?
- If you could relive a memory, what would it be?
- What’s one thing you hope never changes about yourself?
- If you lived 1,000 years ago, what do you imagine your profession would be?
- What are your go-to methods to deal with stress?
Counseling getting-to-know-you questions
Looking for conversation starters to engage with a new patient? Try some of these ideas to help them open up.
- What brings you here today?
- What made you decide you wanted to come to therapy?
- How do you describe yourself?
- What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
- What makes you feel proud to be you?
- What are your expectations in counseling?
- Who has the most influence in your life?
- Who is the most important person in your life today?
- What are you struggling with recently?
- How do you feel in your body today?
- What was it like growing up in your family?
- How do you feel about your relationship with your family?
- How would your family describe you?
- How did your family express emotions growing up?
- How do you feel about your relationship with your partner?
- How do you typically deal with disappointment?
- How do you receive feedback from others?
- Who do you typically talk to about your struggles?
- What feels difficult to process right now?
- What do you typically do to feel better about yourself?
- Where does your mind typically wander when you’re alone?
- What do you believe is true about you?
- What are you worried people might think about you?
- How would you rate your communication skills?
- What do you typically do when you experience conflict?
- What kinds of things make you angry?
Job interview getting-to-know-you questions
Looking for questions to ask to find the right candidate for a job? Try some of these ideas.
- What’s something about you that’s not on your resume?
- What interested you in this role?
- How would you approach accomplishing X in this role?
- What qualities do you look for in a manager or leader?
- What are the strengths you would bring to this team?
- What methods do you use to stay organized?
- What is your philosophy on success and failure?
- What do you do when you realize you disagree with your boss?
- What kind of work environment are you hoping to work in?
- What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?
- What’s something you’re most proud of accomplishing in your career?
- What activities give you the most energy?
- What tasks do you tend to delegate to others?
- What learning opportunities have you sought out recently?
- What do you do to stay motivated?
- What leaders do you look up to and why?
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and what did you do with it?
- What kinds of activities or tasks feel natural to you?
- Tell me about your career path and what led you to this point?
- What kind of qualities do you look for in a team?
- What does your ideal workday look like?
- What kind of topics interest you the most?
- Do you prefer to plan ahead or go with the flow?
- What are you looking for in a new role?
- What do you like to do outside of work?
4 Quick Tips to Make the Conversation More Interesting and Engaging
#1 Set your intention
Before you engage in conversation with someone in a social situation, consider the context by asking yourself questions like, “Who’s going to be there? What’s the purpose? Why am I going?”
When you do this, you can come up with an intention statement like, “I want to make my new colleague feel welcome” or “I want to meet some new client prospects.”
#2 Use friendly, confident body language
Approach conversations with friendly, confident body language to show others that you are a friend, not a foe. To do this, use open body language, including:
- Keeping your hands visible
- Relaxing your shoulders
- Smiling at others
- Making eye contact
#3 Be an active listener
Listening is key to great communication and relationships. To get started, try these helpful practices:
- Ask open-ended questions. “What do you think about…?”
- Re-state your understanding. “If I understand, you’re saying ____, is that right?”
- Encourage and affirm them. “Wow. Tell me more about that!”
- Give good eye contact when someone is talking to you.
- Avoid other activities while you’re listening, like playing on your phone.
#4 Leave a lasting impression
Your get-to-know-you questions might set you off on the right foot, but when the conversation is over, it’s time to leave a lasting impression. Here are a few ideas from our article on how to end a conversation.
- Bring up future plans. “It’s been great chatting. I hope you have a great time at X next week.”
- Make a plan to connect. “This has been so interesting. Can we connect over coffee sometime?”
- Recall a story, idea, or inside joke. “I’m not going to be able to forget the story you told about X. Thanks so much for sharing. It’s been great getting to know you!”
- Exchange contact information. “I’d love to connect again sometime. Here’s my information before I go.”
- Compliment and make them feel memorable. “It’s been great talking to you. I’m going to remember you.”
Watch our video below to learn how to end a conversation with THIS phrase:
Looking for more ideas to master the art of conversation? Check out this helpful resource!
Communicate With Confidence
Do you struggle with small talk? Do you often run out of things to say or feel awkward and self-conscious in social situations?
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Key Takeaways: Getting to Know You Questions
In summary, take note of these tips to start your new relationships off on the right foot:
- Set your intention. Consider the context and what you hope to give and get out of your social interactions.
- Use friendly, confident body language. Give good eye contact, smile, and keep your hands visible.
- Be an active listener. Encourage, affirm, and restate your understanding.
- Leave a lasting impression. End your conversations by making people feel liked and memorable.
For more conversation-starting ideas, check out our article How to Have and Hold Dazzling Conversation With Anyone: We Review 11 Science-Backed Steps.