This 39-year-old executive's favorite interview question can indicate a high level of emotional intelligence.

Since joining Starface World in 2021, Kara Brothers, the brand's president, has interviewed numerous potential employees.

During those discussions, the 39-year-old executive evaluates candidates' emotional intelligence.

Studies conducted over many years have shown that emotional intelligence, which involves managing one's own emotions and those of others, is the most reliable indicator of professional achievement.

It is challenging to quantify emotional intelligence as it involves subjective qualities such as empathy and self-awareness, which may not easily fit on a resume.

Brothers uses challenging, self-reflective questions during interviews to evaluate a candidate's emotional intelligence. One such question frequently confuses candidates, according to Brothers.

"In your last workplace, what really held you back?"

The objective, according to Brothers, is to determine how adaptable and coachable an individual is. "We all possess an ego, but does your ego hinder your ability to work effectively?" she inquires. "I am attempting to ascertain if you are cognizant of your strengths and areas for improvement in professional relationships."

Brothers highlights that candidates may struggle to present their strengths without revealing their weaknesses. However, she emphasizes that the ideal answers strike a balance between honesty and responsibility.

"As Brothers explains, one might say, 'I recognized that I wasn't performing optimally during a Monday morning strategy meeting. After considering and receiving feedback, I opted to cancel the meeting and instead send out a weekly email update, which proved to be more beneficial for all parties involved.' This represents a comprehensive comprehension of one's own abilities and the effects of their actions on others."

Brothers notes that this level of self-awareness is beneficial in handling workplace challenges and working with different personalities.

How to build self-awareness

You don't have to wait for your next job interview to start building your self-awareness.

Cultivating this skill can be achieved through a straightforward, three-step exercise, as advised by Juliette Han, a neuroscientist trained at Harvard, in an interview with CNBC Make It last year.

1. Considering your interests and abilities, you can identify your strengths and the job duties that appeal to you. What are your talents? What activities do you enjoy?
2. Seeking feedback from managers and colleagues can provide insights into how others perceive you and your work.
3. Rewritten sentence: Use the takeaways from the input sentence to determine which skills you want to improve or integrate more into your work.

Developing self-awareness may take time, but the benefits can be significant. As Han stated, "Even with technical skills and charisma, if you lack self-awareness, it can be challenging to build strong relationships and deepen the friendships necessary for success."

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