• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, February 9, 2015

Seriously? Klout? Who knew Klout still existed, let alone have anyone pay credence to it? Long ago, the social metrics company used to be a gauge of a person's "social reach" or some such hooey like that. For a while, it was all the rage. Everyone would do everything they could to increase their score. Now, no one gives a crap.

Except Havas Worldwide Chicago Chief Creative Officer Jason Peterson.

Yup. In a Fast Company piece entitled "Crazy Ways Top Creative Pros Landed Their Dream Jobs," Peterson said: "Anyone who contacts me on social media via Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr gets an interview. I hire based on Klout score. If you can't do it for yourself, you can't do it for my clients."

Yes, he really said that. Sure, using social media as a means of outreach is just a given. And Peterson should most assuredly dig into a person's social profile, footprint and whatever other droppings of interest they have left in their digital path. All can help paint a great picture of a person.

But to rely on a so-2009 metric that has become a joke to most seems, well, a bit silly. But, at least if you use Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr to reach out, you have a shot at getting hired by Peterson.