The Digital Drew

I read an article today that predicted Klout actually matters to some employers.

I’ve always thought Klout was merely a silly system for social media fanboys(&girls) to one-up one another. I guess that attitude is what turned me off to ever caring; total nerdfest.

Sure, social media is a big part of what I do professionally, but to actually put a numbered rating on my total involvement is like using standard testing scores to effectively measure one’s IQ. Some people only use social media to lurk & learn from influencers, rather than attempt to become one themselves. There are also things I only want to share with my friends, vs. clients & professional acquaintances. It’s my experience that most people in SEM keep numerous social profiles (personal & professional accounts) for this very reason. The effort it takes to maintain two versions of yourself can be exhausting, just ask Manti Te’o.

Klout feels like another way of becoming what some people need/expect you to be, and then grading your efforts.
Do I really want to participate in this?

Here are some tidbits from the article:

1. The Death of the Resume

In 2013, the traditional resume will be replaced by the breadth and depth of your personal brand.

Before you’re interviewed by a potential employer, expect the recruiting manager or hiring manager to check out one or more of the following sources about you:
1) the top ten searches on your name on either Google or Bing,
2) the number of Twitter followers you have and last time you tweeted,
3) the size and quality of your LinkedIn community,
4) the number and quality of recommendations you have on LinkedIn and
5) your Klout score.

2. Your Klout Score Will Become A Measurable Currency

In the next year, your Klout score will find a prominent place on your resume and LinkedIn profile, and may even help you get your next promotion.

As the biggest player in the growing world of “digital influence,” Klout is still setting the bar for what this means. Prepare to answer the Klout tag line, “what’s your influence?” in your next job interview.

“Influence has really become the currency of the social web, and Klout is the standard measurement for that,” said Klout CEO Joe Fernandez in a recent interview with Brian Solis. And he is right. While many of us don’t even remember our SAT scores, we may soon all have the Klout app on our mobile phone and tablet so we know instantly how our score rises and falls each week.

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There are numerous reasons that I should make an effort to become a thought leader & an influencer, but: