Work & School

Have you ever been the new person at a job?

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Why people ask this

Work and school questions are popular because everyone has the same bad-meeting and dumb-detention archetypes — recognising them in someone else’s life is the whole point. On have.you, this question is part of a category played by people across every kind of setting — parties, road trips, dinners, late-night calls — which is why the same question reads differently in every group. The interesting part is rarely the answer itself; it is the follow-up, the story behind the yes, or the surprised reaction when somebody answers the opposite way. That is what keeps Have You Ever questions in rotation long after most party games get retired.

Discussion starters

  • What is the worst meeting you have ever sat through?
  • What is the dumbest reason you have been in trouble at work or school?
  • What is the strangest job interview you have done?
  • What is the most useless thing you learned at school?
  • What is the closest you have come to quitting?

This question uncovers your experiences stepping into unfamiliar environments, revealing how you navigate new workplaces or classrooms. Curious about making new impressions? Explore more in Work & School questions and dive into different scenarios with your friends or colleagues.

What This Question Really Asks

This question explores your feelings, actions, and reactions when starting fresh in a work or academic setting. It helps shed light on your adaptability and social skills. Want to understand your approach better? Check out how others handle similar situations in classic scenarios or past experiences with the question, funny and embarrassing moments.

  • How comfortable you are with new environments
  • Your ability to make first impressions
  • Dealing with awkward or uncertain moments
  • Ways you build relationships quickly in new settings
  • Whether you enjoy the challenge of starting fresh or prefer familiar routines

How to Use This Question

Setting Tone Best for Tip
Friends game night Playful and light Breaking the ice in casual groups Use humor or funny stories about your first days, and check out our icebreaker generator for more ideas
First date Warm and genuine Getting to know each other's backgrounds Share personal anecdotes and be curious about their experiences
Team meeting Professional but friendly Building rapport in group settings Encourage open conversation and listen actively to others' stories
Family dinner Casual and intimate Sharing personal milestones or past experiences Connect through shared stories and experiences from previous jobs or schools
Party Energetic and fun Lighthearted conversations and laughs Use funny or surprising stories to keep the mood lively

When You Say "Yes"

  1. You are open to new experiences and environments.
  2. You confidently introduce yourself and seek out connections.
  3. You're adaptable and can handle uncertainty or unfamiliar routines.
  4. You enjoy meeting new people and tackling fresh challenges.
  5. You believe that every new start is a chance for growth, as discussed in deeper conversations.

When You Say "No"

Not having been the new person at a job might mean you've mostly had stable or familiar environments, but it could also imply a preference for routine over change. You might also find such situations stressful or uncomfortable.

  • You tend to prefer sticking with what you know.
  • Starting anew can sometimes feel overwhelming or daunting.
  • You might avoid shifting to unfamiliar routines or environments.

Best Follow-Up Questions

  • How did you prepare for your first day at a new job?
  • What was the most challenging part of being the new person?
  • Can you share a funny or memorable moment from that experience?
  • How did you build relationships with new colleagues or classmates?
  • What advice would you give to someone starting a new role or school?

Looking for more ideas? Check out our categories page for related questions and topics to spark your conversations.

Feeling ready to play? Start a game now and explore different scenarios, or invite friends to join in the fun with multiplayer options to amp up the excitement!