Logo BusinessBecause - The business school voice
mobile search icon

6 LinkedIn Errors To Avoid At All Costs

If you’re using LinkedIn to broaden your professional network or find a new job, here’s are a few LinkedIn errors you need to avoid

Sat May 15 2021

BusinessBecause
LinkedIn has become the go-to social media platform for networking and job-hunting. 

If you’re an active LinkedIn user, you’ll know how important it can be for fostering and sustaining professional connections, as well as keeping an eye out for new opportunities. Be sure to check out our LinkedIn career advice about how to get the most from the platform.

Poor LinkedIn etiquette, however, can be detrimental to your career profile, and may lose you more connections than it gains you. Here are a few LinkedIn errors to avoid at all costs.


1. Avoid arguments and potentially offensive posts

Part of sustaining an active presence on LinkedIn is engaging with other users and even commenting on their posts and activity. It is important, however, to draw a line about what is acceptable to post or comment. 

This includes getting into arguments on other people’s posts, one of the major LinkedIn errors. For one, consider the image you give off if you are constantly engaging argumentatively with what people post. Even if you do see something that you disagree with, it’s important that any response is measured and respectful.  4916f978cbddcff9c479b5486b41271e4423e3ef.jpeg

“Be respectful of other people's views. You shouldn't be the one going out there making comments that could offend,” insists Tom Lawrance (pictured right), head of careers services at Said Business School at the University of Oxford. 

You should also try to avoid things that may be politically controversial, even if these are strongly held beliefs. Consider whether this is something you’d happily state in the workplace or at a professional event. 

“You need to use judgement and common sense to think about where to draw the line,” Tom adds. 


2. Don’t brag about or exaggerate your achievements

One top piece of advice for LinkedIn is to be authentic: this includes posting things you’re interested in, as well as relevant accomplishments in your life or career. What you should try to avoid, however, is overexaggerating or bragging about your own achievements. 

Things like posting your salary in your bio, how much you sold your last company for, or overambitious promises about what you can achieve if you’re hired: these can all appear a bit showy, and will make you seem inauthentic and maybe even deluded. 

Even worse would be exaggerating or lying about your achievements. You may not think so, but this will be obvious and easily verified by recruiters, who will certainly not be impressed when they find out you never sold your imaginary startup to Google at the age of 16.  


3. Don’t adopt a scattergun approach to job hunting

The LinkedIn Jobs tab can be a useful forum for spotting new opportunities. But be careful how you approach searching for jobs here: applying for too many may actually harm your chances of getting employed.

Research by emlyon business school found that people who excessively use LinkedIn to apply for jobs actually fare worse. This is on account of a scatter-gun approach of applying to as many roles as possible in the hope that some of them will get back.

“There is less chance of identifying those jobs that suit them best and they have less time to prepare their application well to maximise their chances to succeed,” says Nikos Bozionelos, professor of international human resources management at emlyon. 


4. Avoid business jargon and cliches 

“Proven visionary.” “Jack of all trades and a master of each.” “I eat flexible for breakfast.”

These are just a few examples of the business jargon you might read on LinkedIn posts or profiles. Just as phrases like ‘blue-sky thinking’ and ‘giving it 110%’ have been banished from the boardroom, it’s best to try and avoid fleshing out your LinkedIn profile with cliches and gambits designed to make you look more impressive. 

Recruiters will have seen it all, and will think you’re trying to hide something by using unnecessarily flowery language. 

Instead, try to talk about yourself and your strengths more candidly and honestly. State things clearly and plainly, rather than using confusing metaphors or analogies to describe them. 


5. Don’t ‘carpet bomb’ for connections

LinkedIn is a very important tool for expanding your network. As well as sustaining old connections, you can use it to make new connections: perhaps someone whose profiles you’re interested in, or who works at a company you’re interested in applying for.  5a901cca7998403b90b181c79eaeecea0854a03a.jpeg

What you shouldn’t do is randomly send out connection requests without thought or reason. “Don't carpet bomb 100 people asking them to connect and then get fed up when no one replies to any connection,” explains Margaret O’Neill (pictured right), head of careers services at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School.

You should avoid using the same formulaic approach when messaging everyone. Instead, try and tailor it specifically to that person. 

“It needs to be a conversation like it would be in person. Show that you're really interested in that person for something specific, whether it's a common school or a common hobby, or even a shared article that you've read,” Margaret says. 


6. Don’t be too personal

Be careful not to mistake authenticity for being overly personal. While it might be okay to post a photo of your pets or a meal you’ve made on Facebook or Instagram, these posts might not be so appropriate on LinkedIn. 

“I would always think about it as the place where you need to be conscious of your professional brand. So anything that doesn't align with that professional brand or image that you'd want to convey I would not post on LinkedIn,” says Bryn Panee Burkhart, senior associate director of alumni career services at MIT Sloan School of Management. 

This all goes back to remembering that LinkedIn is a professional forum. Ultimately, anything that you comment, post, or share on there should reflect the image you want to give off as a professional, especially if you’re looking to stand out to new employers. If you get this right, then you’ll be richly rewarded.  


Next Read:

Instagram Is The Most Popular Social Media Platform For Business School Candidates

Student Reviews

emlyon business school

Student

Verified

4/12/2023

On Campus

Intense courses, helpful professors

I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA. The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.

Student

Verified

18/03/2023

On Campus

Leadership in an amazing city

I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends

Student

Verified

23/11/2021

On Campus

A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.

You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.

Fabian

Verified

7/06/2020

MSc in Digital Marketing

Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.

Student

Verified

14/10/2018

Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs

EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.

Student

Verified

9/06/2020

Emlyon campus in Paris

It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.

Student

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Entrepreneurship

Overall good content and good activities. Lack of administration but still ok. Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.

Student

Verified

25/05/2020

Good Reputation and International Business School

The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark. The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments. The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources. Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.

Edel

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

MSc International Hospitality Management

The best educational experience of my life so far! It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.

Student

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

Real networking opportunities

- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school. - going abroad to study luxury - being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM) - having such a great professional core

Daphné

Verified

14/07/2024

On Campus

white baccalaureate in the world of work

I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.

Student

Verified

11/09/2024

On Campus

Great

Pretty great ! Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.

Student

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

Emlyon makes us confident!

Since I got into emlyon business school in September 2024, I’ve had many occasions to discover various subjects, but also to gain confidence and strength in several fields. Our « ADN » classes involve active participation and teamwork which enlighten our everyday life here in Lyon. Teachers are welcoming and available, classes are dispensed in small rooms, all of this turning our studies into a real life experience. As a top business school in France and in Europe, rest assured that this programme will take you to places you never had the chance to go to.

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Worldwide School

If you're looking for a school with an international perspective, emlyon is the place to be. Academic exchange and double-degree opportunities are widely varied around the globe, and the school has 4 international campuses.

Jeremy

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Warm welcome

emlyon is one of France's top business schools, offering a wide range of programs and masters degrees that allow students from all backgrounds to perfect their skills. Students are very friendly and student life is dynamic with 42 associations (art, culture, finance...). With the inauguration of its new campus, the school also offers students a highly advantageous working environment right in the heart of Lyon.

Student

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

Experience at emlyon

My experience in emlyon business school was nothing but fantastic. The professors are very knowledgeable and helpful and are the best in the field to guide you to build your future self. The campus life is also really great and you get to meet amazing people!

Jenny

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

A Global and Data-driven Learning Experience

As an international student from Taiwan, currently studying Digital Marketing & Data Science at Emlyon Business School's Paris campus, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding. 1. Academics & Curriculum The program is highly data-driven, integrating real-world marketing strategies with technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning. Professors bring industry expertise and often collaborate with companies, making classes interactive and practical. 2. Campus & Student Life The Paris campus is a great location for networking, surrounded by top companies and start-up ecosystems. There are plenty of career events, hackathons, and networking opportunities, which have helped me connect with professionals in my field. 3. International Student Experience Coming from Taiwan, Emlyon provides a diverse and global environment. The school supports international students well, but navigating administrative processes (like visas and housing) can sometimes be challenging. However, the student community is welcoming, and there are many activities and student initiatives to engage with. 4. Overall Impression I think Emlyon is a great choice for students looking for an innovative, hands-on learning experience in business and technology. While some courses could benefit from even more structure, the real-world projects, industry collaborations, and international environment make it a strong business school for aspiring digital professionals.

Ambrine

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Very Good Program and Life-Changing Opportunities

I was truly delighted with my program as it provided me with valuable knowledge and skills. The campus is outstanding, offering an inspiring and welcoming environment for students. Moreover, my program opened up new professional opportunities that I would never have been able to access without completing this Master's degree in Strategy in International Business Development (in partnership with CentraleSupélec). I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience!

Nelia

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

BBA1 EM Lyon business school

This is my first year at EM Lyon and one of the first factors that makes me love my school is its campus. The location, the layout of the premises, the exteriors... all the facilities are functional and largely allow students to flourish in their studies (very large library, individual and collaborative workspaces, fully equipped rooms that can be booked, catering and relaxation areas, roof... everything is there!) Also, what I particularly appreciate is the format of the courses which combines practice with theory. My program is intended to be very professionalizing, so we have courses and modules that put us in real situations, the professors and external speakers are for the most part people in professional activities in companies which allows us to benefit from concrete illustrations and notable anecdotes. The classes are not very numerous, offering us an opportunity for interaction and group work. In addition to the courses, the school has many very advantageous partnerships for internships and academic exchanges. In addition, the school offers many conferences and workshops at the Makerslab that allow us to educate ourselves and learn new things. Finally, my program is internationally oriented and that is one of the reasons why I chose it: internships and academic exchange abroad. Finally, student life is a real added value for us since the associative life occupies a preponderant place in our course due to the variety of associations, the premises that are reserved but especially the budget that is allocated.

Jeanne

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Makers Spirit

Emlyon business school is a incredible university, i've been able to learn a lot of informations, and making contacts and meet a lot of people. The courses are very interesting and i'm looking foward to earn more experiences (academic or professional).This school gave me huge opportunities and still do, I intend to take them and use them, this school change my life, and me as a character. I want to make it known to as many people as possible, and grow the makers spirit!

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Digital Marketing and Data Science

Courses are practical, and the program is intensive. We have so many tasks need to fulfill. I love the school provide many career and alumni resources. And also give us many opportunities to approach to different fields.

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Current Student

Likes: abundant resources the network of alumni is really healpful wonderful location (center Paris) a lot of interesting lectures and company visits the school opens until 2200, great for studying Dislike: not enough spaces to study some study rooms are toooooo cold some classrooms have limited access to charge and the air is stagnant

Maude

Verified

8/02/2025

On Campus

Stepping Into the World of Data

I come from a business background, and I stumbled upon Python a few years ago almost by accident. I found myself spending hours debugging code, completely losing track of time. It was as if a new world had quietly unfolded before me, one I hadn’t even realized I was searching for. But without a scientific background, I felt behind. We tend to put ourselves in boxes, believing certain paths are out of reach. This master’s program proved otherwise. It gave someone like me with a non-technical foundation a chance, it opened the door to data and analytics. Yes, it’s a challenge. The curriculum is intense, and the learning curve is steep, but the support from professors and peers makes all the difference. The hands-on projects, the balance between theory and application, and the exposure to real-world case studies ensure that learning isn’t just theoretical: it’s practical and impactful. I’ve worked on diverse datasets, from images to audio, passing through the more familiar tabular data, and every project pushes me to think critically and experiment confidently. One of the standout aspects of this master’s is the collaborative environment. My classmates come from different backgrounds; engineering, business, social sciences, and that diversity makes discussions richer and group work more dynamic. Slowly but surely, I’m bridging the gap between curiosity and expertise. If you're drawn to data, AI, and the power of code, this master’s might be the door you’ve been waiting to walk through. The question is: Are you ready to take that leap?

Student

Verified

10/02/2025

On Campus

Good school

This school is really very interesting! We learn a lot there and the teachers are professionals and therefore have experience to share with us. The only problem would be just the fact that some teachers are not very educational which makes the lessons sometimes hard to follow...

Student

Verified

10/02/2025

On Campus

An excellent school that deserves its reputation

I am a PGE student at emlyon BS and I am completely fulfilled there: the courses are of high quality, punctuated by stimulating group projects and the associative life allows the class to bond and to spend very good times with people who share a common interest or passion. In addition, the academic excellence of emlyon is recognized both in France and abroad, which allows students to benefit from very good internship opportunities and great career prospects. In other words, I recommend emlyon BS

Student

Verified

10/02/2025

Online

Experience at emlyon

During my time at EMLYON Business School, I discovered a demanding and stimulating academic environment, marked by a strong entrepreneurial culture. The pedagogical approach, focused on learning by doing, allowed me to develop concrete skills in project management and strategic decision-making. One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a business game where we had to manage a fictitious company in a competitive market. This simulation taught me the importance of data analysis and adaptability in the face of economic contingencies. I was also able to interact with professionals at conferences and workshops, which gave me a clearer vision of the challenges of the business world. Finally, the diversity of the student network, made up of international profiles and varied backgrounds, enriched my experience. Working in a team with people with different approaches was a real asset to develop my ability to collaborate and innovate. This immersion at EMLYON has strengthened my entrepreneurial spirit and my desire to evolve in a dynamic environment, where learning is not limited to theory but is anchored in practice and experimentation.

Student

Verified

12/02/2025

On Campus

Nice campus

Located near the center of Lyon which allows for easy commute and proximity to stores/restaurants. Amazing student life, there are events every week (sports, lunches, parties but also networking and work opportunities). Great school if you're interested in consulting or finance as top firms come and teach classes every semester. Some classes are online and some classes are in person. If you come as an international student in the MIM program you cannot do exchanges internationally but there are many double diplomas to chose from. French students have the possibility to do exchanges at MIT, UCLA, Bocconi, Berkeley etc.

Karunasagar

Verified

13/02/2025

On Campus

A Fun and Insightful Learning Experience

Attending emlyon business school has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The MSc in Health Management & Data Intelligence program offers a perfect blend of theory and practical applications, with a strong focus on the healthcare industry. The professors bring a wealth of real-world experience, making the learning process engaging and insightful. The campus life is vibrant and multicultural, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on projects and the interactive learning environment, which have significantly enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One standout moment was participating in the international seminar, where we visited leading healthcare companies and gained firsthand insights into global industry practices. Another memorable experience was the Transforming Early Makers project, which challenged us to innovate and present solutions to real-world healthcare problems. The career services team is supportive, offering guidance and resources that help in preparing for the professional world. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their skills in healthcare management and data analytics. #InnovativeLearning #HealthcareManagement #DataDrivenEducation

Student

Verified

14/02/2025

On Campus

Excellent education and association system

A very diverse courses and cultures are present in the school. It was a place where I learned much, especially about job opportunities. The association life is great. Student can learn a lot of things about the difficulties in work, and allow them to have experience as a future managers.

RECAPTHA :

22

a6

f5

84