How to Download Your LinkedIn Data
Short answer: In LinkedIn's Settings & Privacy, go to Data privacy, then Download your data, and choose the larger data archive. The smaller "something in particular" option doesn't include your posts or comments.
Step by step
- Go to LinkedIn’s Download your data page (Me → Settings & Privacy → Data privacy → Download your data).
- Choose the first option, Download larger data archive. Skip “Want something in particular?”, that list doesn’t include your posts or comments.
- Click Request archive and enter your password if asked.
- LinkedIn emails you when it’s ready. Use the link in that email to download it.
Why download it before a job search
LinkedIn is public by design, and your archive includes your shares, comments, and the recommendations you've written for others.
Some screening vendors publicly describe social media lookbacks of up to seven years, so PruneSocial uses a seven-year review window for eligible dated activity. Actual employer and screening-provider practices can vary. Your own export is the most complete way to see what's there. See the sources and methodology.
What's in the file that matters
You don't need to unzip anything or dig through folders. The scan reads: Shares, Comments, Recommendations_Given, and the headline, About text, and job descriptions from Profile and Positions. Everything else in the export, including photos and messages, stays on your computer.
Can’t find the ZIP on your phone, or the scanner can’t read it? See fixes for common export problems.
Check your LinkedIn history when your export arrives
Not requested yet? Start with the export checklist. Drop the ZIP into PruneSocial and your posts, comments, and the recommendations you've written from the last seven years are scored against published screening categories, with a recommended fix for anything flagged.