How do you deal with a nosey coworker?

Seriously, this guy is the nosiest person i have ever met. "whatcha eating?, Whatcha doing?, What are you looking for? What are you working on? What's going on?" He even looks over my shoulder to see what I am doing on the computer, which is a huge pet peeve of mine. I do not like my space invaded. And no, this is not about spying for the boss or competition for a promotion. We are in completely different departments. He is driving me nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

Wow he really is out of line. I bet you though, he doesnt even realise what he is doing to you or how annoying it is. There are a couple of approaches that you can take. One is to directly tell him. Say something like "i cant really talk right now i have so much work to do, ill talk to you later" or "Im sorry why do you need to know all this?" you could straight out tell him, that he is invading your personal space a little bit and you would appreciate if he kept his visits to a minimum or please dont look over my shoulder like that. On the other hand you could do a bit of reverse phycology. Go into his department and do the exact same thing to him. Often you'll find that the habits that people put onto us, are actually habits they despise themselves. Hope it all works out. =]
Oh and if you take option two, accidentaly kick his chair a couple of times for good measure lol

Not only ask but tell them to mind their own business.

simply ask him, can I help you? I mean its so annoying to keep on getting bothered everytime you think you are alone. Just tell him at the moment I would like to do my job with out you hovering over me and asking me what I am doing.

Don't answer his questions. Instead say, "I'm sorry, did you need something? I was just so engrossed in my work I didn't hear you." Click your computer screen off when he stares over your shoulder.

If he doesn't get the message after a few times, then tell him that you really need to get your work done and ask him to stop coming by so often.

I had someone like that in my office once. I eventually resorted to just saying "I'd rather not discuss it" or "I don't feel comfortable divulging that information at this time" or "That information is personal and confidential."

Saying it enough times and he'll get the point and give up. Worked for me!

If u r the boss fire him if not then go to the boss and tell them about the trouble

Tell your boss he is interfering with your job performance.

i think every one got a co-worker driving them nuts.. that's what he trying to get a promotion, so he just trying to see if you doing that as well you just going to have to come out and tell this person that get out your space tell him the way you feel

Tell them to not stand over your shoulder because it makes you nervous and that you can't talk today because your throat is sore. works every time. or just tell him that you would appreciate it if he wouldn't ask so many questions because you're busy.

well he's nosey,... or perhaps,.. its his way of trying to make an impression,... that he likes you. maybe his social skills need vast improvement(s).

I loathed kids like that when I was young,...

Well, you could suggest to your supervisor, that this person is harassing you, or go to HR counselor/representative.

Because he is interfering with your work performance, as well as getting on your nerves.

I just hope that this guy isn't a serial stalker.

You can't be too cautious these days with all the perverts on the internet, who knows who they really are in the real world.

Good luck in resolving this sweetie

cheers babe!!!

Tell him to back the hell up!

You are not a child & you don't need to be supervised or monitored!

1. Tell him you're busy and to leave your work area.
2. Tell HIS boss he's pestering you and you want him to leave you alone.
3. Tell Human Resources or whichever department is in charge of hiring, etc. This could be considered harassment.
4. Document everything. Every time he comes by and asks those questions (the time, the questions, and how long he hangs around).

Don't put up with this nonsense.

It could be he likes you and wants attention, but this is not the right way to go about doing it.

Well... everyone kind of answered the same thing. BUT! I have an idea, if by telling him to back off wont work. Play a little trick on him. ;)

Maybe set it up so that you are reading an email with very large font saying, that you like (his name) so much and that you dont know what to do... that he is constantly staring at you but u dont have the guts to say anything.

MAKE SURE HE SEES IT...

Then when he goes into the bathroom or something, slip a paper on his desk telling him to meet you somewhere (but leave it anonymous, so he assumes its you) set up a date time... etc. and tell him you will be wearing a certain color (red for example)

Then find the ugliest girl you can and put a paper on their desk (u write it as if u where the guy) that you cant stop thinking about her... ect. and set up a date n time (the same one u gave to the annoying guy) and be like wear red.

When he sees her he'll get the point.

Might be kinda cruel... but it'll get him off your back

If he sees you out of your area, and asks you what you're looking for, maybe he wants to help. If you are eating in the lunchroom and he asks you what you're eating, that's nosy but to him it could be a conversation starter.

Sounds like he does not have enough to do!! I can't understand why he is not missed from his own dept. Does he do this to anyone else?

When he looks over your shoulder at your computer, ask him why he's doing it. Then tell him that you do not enjoy having your space invaded.

Document his intrusions, so that if and when you need to seek support from management they will understand.