67 questions to ask when interviewing someone about their life

Learning about someone’s life can help you get to know them better in a fun and interesting way. Whether you are interviewing a family member, a friend, or even a stranger, asking the right questions can give you insights into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of questions to ask when interviewing someone about their life. These questions are designed to encourage open-ended and thoughtful responses that will give you a better understanding of who they are as a person.

Table of Contents

67 Questions to ask when interviewing someone about their life:

Personal Background Information

Where were you born?
Where did you grow up?
Where do you live now?
How did your childhood shape who you are today?
How would you describe yourself?
What is your educational background?
What is your profession?
How would you describe your personality?
How would you describe yourself, both physically and emotionally?
How do you think other people see you?
What is your personal philosophy?
What is your idea of a perfect day?
What are some of the things you enjoy doing in your free time?
Do you have a personal mission or motto that guides your life?
What would be your ideal way to spend a day or a week?
Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with others? And why?
What is your biggest fear or worry?
What is your relationship status?
What are your religious beliefs?
What role does faith or religion play in your life?
What are your political views?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Who are the most important people in your life now?
What do you like to do for fun now?
What is the most important thing you are working on or want to accomplish in your life right now?
What do you value most in life?
How do you measure happiness?
What makes you happy? unhappy?
What has been the most important event in your life?
Who had the greatest impact on your life and why?
What are your hopes and fears for the future?
What is one goal you would like to achieve in the next five years?
What contribution do you hope to make in this world?
What would you like to make a difference in the world?
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

Life Experiences and Accomplishments

What are your earliest memories?
What are your fondest memories from childhood?
Who were some of the most important people in your life during your childhood?
What did you do for fun as a child?
What things did you enjoy learning about as a child?
What is the most important lesson you have learned so far in life?
Did you have any pets growing up?
Who was the most influential person in your life?
What has been your proudest moment?
What has been your most difficult moment?
What has been the most memorable moment in your life?
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
What has been your biggest disappointment?
What has been the best day of your life?
What has been the worst day of your life?
What is your definition of success?
Do you consider yourself successful? Why or why not?
Do you have any regrets in your life? If so, what are they?
Are there other significant events in your life that have shaped who you are today?
What would you change about your life if you could?
Are you satisfied with where you are in life right now?

Career Highlights

What was your first job?
What is your career history?
How did you become interested in your current field or profession?
What are some of the highlights of your career so far?
What has been the most rewarding experience in your career so far?
What do you like most about your job?
What is the most difficult part of your job?

Hypothetical Questions About Life

If you could go back and relive any moment, what would it be?
If you could have any job in the world, which one would you choose?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If money were no object, how would you spend your time and where would you live?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ask a life question?

When asking a life question, it is important to be respectful and considerate of the person’s feelings and experiences. It is also helpful to provide context or background information so the person understands the purpose of the question and how it relates to their life. It is also important to actively listen and show understanding of the person’s response. It is also helpful to follow up with additional questions to expand on the person’s experiences and insights.

How do you start a life conversation?

To start a conversation about life, it is important to create a comfortable and safe environment where the person feels comfortable and open to sharing their experiences. It is also helpful to provide an introduction and explain the purpose of the conversation and how the person can benefit from it.

It is also important to show interest and curiosity in the person’s life and experiences and ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. It is also helpful to show empathy and understanding and avoid judgment or criticism. If you create a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere, the person will be more willing to open up and share their life experiences.

How do you talk about your personal life?

It can be difficult to talk about your personal life. You may not want to share too much information with people you do not know well, or you may not know what to say at all. It’s important to find a balance between too much and too little. If you do not know what to say, start by talking about your hobbies or interests. This can help you get to know the person you are talking to better, and you feel more comfortable talking about yourself.

Why is it important to ask questions in life?

Asking questions in life is important because it helps us learn and grow. By asking questions, we can gain new insights and perspectives that can challenge our beliefs and assumptions and help us see the world in a different light. Asking questions can also help us connect with others and build deeper relationships because it shows that we are interested in and invested in their lives and experiences. Asking questions can also help us better understand and navigate the world around us and make informed and thoughtful decisions. Overall, asking questions is an essential part of being curious, open-minded, and engaged with the world around us.

Conclusion

Asking questions is a great way to get to know someone better and give them the opportunity to do the same with you! By asking probing questions, you can learn a lot about someone in a short amount of time, which can help you connect with others more easily both personally and professionally!

Try asking some of these questions the next time you find yourself in a situation where small talk is required – you might be surprised by how much fun it can be!