What are “get-to-know-you” questions? (And how to answer them)

Establishing positive relationships in the workplace is important as it creates an environment of trust and respect. This can improve employee morale and productivity. It also helps to develop a positive company culture that encourages innovation and creativity. 

One way to foster these connections is by using “get-to-know-you” questions. These questions are excellent icebreakers, offering a fun and simple way for colleagues to learn about each other non-invasively.

Here, we'll learn more about get-to-know-you questions by covering:

• Why get-to-know-you questions are important
• How to ask get-to-know-you questions
• How to answer get-to-know-you questions during an interview
• Asking get-to-know-you questions at a new workplace
• Examples of get-to-know-you questions on your first day at work
• Answering get-to-know-you questions at work
• In summary
• FAQs

Why get-to-know-you questions are important 

Get-to-know-you questions help achieve the following objectives:

1. Build rapport and trust among team members

Asking "Who's your celebrity crush?" or "What's your go-to cafe in Singapore?" can liven up workplace interactions. And as you get more comfortable with your fellow workers, you can ask more profound questions. Answering these can go a long way in establishing trust and rapport among team members.

2. Enhance communication and understanding within the team

Through open-ended questions, colleagues learn about each other's backgrounds, interests, and viewpoints. This understanding helps teams communicate clearly and quickly. It supports teamwork towards shared company goals.

3. Create an inclusive work environment.

"Get-to-know-you" questions prompt people to share their stories. This reveals their personality and builds a sense of belonging in the team. This appreciation for diverse views and backgrounds can improve the team dynamic. It makes members feel valued and respected.

How to ask get-to-know-you questions 

Here are some tips for asking get-to-know-you questions effectively:

• Choose the right setting: Opt for a relaxed and casual environment, like during breaks or informal gatherings.
• Be genuine: Ask questions that interest you and fit the conversation's context.
• Start with open-ended questions: Encourage deeper conversations and understanding.
• Listen actively: Show genuine interest by maintaining eye contact and reacting to what's being said.
• Keep things positive: Keeping interactions positive in the workplace fosters an enjoyable atmosphere that encourages everyone to be open and share more freely.
• Ask follow-up questions: Asking follow-up questions is a great way to deepen your understanding of your colleagues and build trust within the team.
• Share about yourself: Sharing establishes authenticity and encourages others to share more about themselves.
• Mind your nonverbal cues: Maintain open body language and a friendly demeanour.
• Respect boundaries: Allow individuals to decline to answer uncomfortable questions.
• Encourage group participation: This gives a sense of belonging and inclusion, making the team feel more connected. 
• Be adaptable and open-minded: Listen to people's answers without judging or making assumptions. Adapt your questions to the conversation and the individual you're speaking with to create a comfortable environment.

How to answer get-to-know-you questions during an interview 

Employers often inquire about your values and personality to assess your fit for the company and role. Here are some tips for responding to these "get-to-know-me" questions:

Be honest

Offering genuine responses enhances your trustworthiness and credibility. If asked about your most embarrassing moment, recount an authentic experience and highlight the lessons you gained.

Stay professional

Showing your personality is crucial, but you must maintain a professional language and tone. Even when faced with odd questions, like how you'd handle a zombie apocalypse, stay professional in your response.

Be positive 

Demonstrating your optimistic outlook can leave a positive impression. When discussing your worst job experience, be truthful yet conclude positively. For instance, highlight the valuable lessons learned and the lasting relationships formed.

Relate your answers to the job

Balance your personal insights with professional details. Show how your attributes align with the job requirements. If they ask about your morning routine, you can say you follow a schedule that lets you get to work on time. 

Avoid controversial topics

During interviews, avoid sensitive topics like politics and religion. This keeps the atmosphere professional and inclusive. This practice safeguards against making remarks. They impact the interviewer's view of you.

Ask clarifying questions

These questions provide opportunities to elaborate on your answers or seek clarification. If asked about your definition of success, you might ask if the focus is on your personal or work life. 

This clarification helps you understand the interviewer's perspective. It lets you tailor your response to it.

Asking get-to-know-you questions at a new workplace 

It's important to make a positive first impression on your coworkers when you start a new job. This enables you to build relationships with them, which can help you feel more comfortable at work. One way to do this is by asking some “meet-the-team” questions to get to know your colleagues better. Here are a few more tips you can follow:

• Approach your first day with curiosity: Make time to familiarise yourself with your new workplace and coworkers.
• Begin with simple inquiries: Initiate small talk or introductory questions initially, gradually progressing to more personal topics as you become more comfortable.
• Pose engaging and appropriate questions: Ask about shared interests or hobbies, ensuring your queries are relevant and respectful.
• Display genuine interest: Practise active listening and ask follow-up questions to deepen conversations.
• Respect their time: Consider your coworkers' schedules and allow them space to respond thoughtfully.
• Open-ended questions: Encourage meaningful discussions about company culture, growth, and team dynamics.
• Participate in group conversations: Talk to coworkers to learn about them. This will help you bond with them.
• Keep interactions light: Focus on topics that facilitate enjoyable and exciting exchanges.
• Use lunch breaks: Use free time to ask fun, getting-to-know-you questions. These can spark conversations about hobbies, sports, movies, or favourite foods.

Examples of get-to-know-you questions on your first day at work 

Here are some questions to get to know someone on your first day:

About the company and role

These questions offer valuable insights. They show you about the organisation and the person you're speaking with. Some good get-to-know-you questions for work include: 

• What aspect of working here do you find most fulfilling?
• Reflecting on your experience, what's one thing you wish you had known when you first joined?

Workstyle and collaboration

These questions aid in navigating collaboration with your coworkers. A few examples of these questions are:

• What communication method do you prefer: email, instant messaging, or Face-to-face?
• Could you outline the typical workflow or team process?
• Are there any recurring team meetings or check-ins I should be mindful of?

Team dynamics

These questions shed light on team dynamics and expectations from coworkers. Some of these questions include:

• What's the optimal approach for assimilating into the team?
• Could you share any team rituals or events?
• How does the team typically commemorate achievements or milestones?

Individual insights

These questions facilitate deeper personal connections. Some of these questions include:

• What current projects are you passionate about?
• How has your role evolved since joining?
• Can you share any challenges you've encountered in your role and how you tackled them?

Personal interests 

These help you make new friends by finding common interests and experiences. Some questions include:

• Do you have any favourite lunch spots around the workplace you'd recommend?
• What do you like to do outside of work?
• Have you read any good books or watched any interesting shows recently?

Future-oriented

These give you a sense of how the organisation operates and help you plan your career path. Here are some examples:

• What are some goals or projects you're looking forward to in the near future?
• How do you see the team evolving in the next year?

Understanding company culture

These questions aid in understanding the organisation's values and norms. Here are some examples:

• How would you characterise the company culture?
• Are there any notable company events or traditions I should be aware of, like Chinese New Year?

Advice and tips

These can be a great way to connect with coworkers while learning more about the organisation. Some of these questions include:

• Do you have any career advice for someone just starting in this role?
• Are there any resources or tools you'd recommend to help me get up to speed?
• What's one thing you wish someone had told you when you started working here?

Answering get-to-know-you questions at work  

Consider these tips for addressing questions at work:

• Maintain approachability through your demeanour.
• Keep responses brief yet informative.
• Be honest and maintain professionalism.
• Share pertinent experiences to demonstrate teamwork.
• Adapt communication style to fit workplace culture.
• Uphold confidentiality to nurture trust.
• Display curiosity by asking follow-up questions.
• Inject personal touches to foster connections with colleagues.

In summary 

Get-to-know-you questions foster a positive work atmosphere, showcasing your genuine curiosity about colleagues. Consistent communication and connection-building enhance relationships, boosting job satisfaction and career advancement. When asking and answering these questions, practise active listening, be positive and truthful, and maintain a professional demeanour.

FAQs 

Here are answers to some common questions on this topic:

1. What are some unique icebreaker questions for remote teams?
   Here are a few questions to ask:
   What would you do if you had all the money in the world?
   Who's your favourite Disney character, and why?
   What's your favourite holiday, and what's the best part about it?
   What's your favourite childhood memory?
   What's the best gift you've ever received?
   What would be a great role for you, and how would you get it?
   What's the craziest thing you've ever done that was worth it?
   ⁠
2. How can I make team meetings more engaging with icebreakers?
   Kick off the meeting with an engaging icebreaker to boost team morale. Choose from a game, brief activity, or inclusive question to stimulate participation. Consider adding a mid-session break. Then, have another icebreaker for longer meetings. This will keep up energy levels.
   ⁠
3. Are there any cultural considerations when using get-to-know-you questions in a diverse workplace?
   Yes. Make sure to respect the cultural differences of the team. Ask questions that are inclusive and relevant to all team members. Also, be aware of language barriers and cultural sensitivities that could affect how people interpret your questions.
   ⁠
4. Can you share some icebreakers for virtual onboarding?
   Icebreakers aren't just questions. They can also be activities or games that help people get to know each other and feel at ease in the workplace. Here are some examples of virtual onboarding icebreakers to try:
   Ask new employees to answer a fun questionnaire about themselves.
   Organise interactive activities that encourage participation and collaboration.
   Set up virtual water coolers that allow new employees to connect with more experienced team members through a video chat.
   ⁠
5. What's the difference between icebreakers for small teams and large organisations?
   Icebreakers for small teams are often more personal and less structured. The aim of many of these is to help people get to know each other better. Icebreakers for larger organisations usually focus on a specific theme. They're more structured and typically involve team-building activities.