There comes a time when a social media platform no longer fits into your life, and for many professionals, that platform is LinkedIn. Whether you’re streamlining your online presence, taking a career break, or simply feel it’s no longer beneficial, the decision to close your account is a personal one. It’s a straightforward process, but it helps to know exactly what to expect before you begin.
Before You Close Your LinkedIn Account
Before you take the final step, consider a couple of quick actions. First, you might want to download a copy of your data. This archive includes your connections, contacts, and other profile information you may want to keep for your records. It’s also a good idea to review any active job applications, as closing your account will withdraw you from consideration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Closing Your Account
To permanently delete your LinkedIn account, start by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner of any LinkedIn page and select ‘Settings & Privacy’. From there, go to the ‘Account preferences’ section. You will see an option titled ‘Close account’. Clicking this will guide you through a few short steps where you’ll select your reason for leaving. You’ll be asked to enter your account password one last time to confirm your identity and complete the process.
What Happens After You Close Your Account
Once you confirm, your profile, connections, and recommendations will be permanently deleted. It’s important to know that some data, like messages you’ve sent to others, might remain in their inboxes but will no longer be linked to your name. Also, keep in mind that if you change your mind, LinkedIn typically gives you a short grace period to reactivate your account by simply logging back in.
A Few Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not completely sure about a full deletion, there are other options. You could simply make your profile private or temporarily hibernate it, which hides your profile but allows you to return later. This can be a great middle ground if you just need a break from the platform.
Closing your LinkedIn account is a final step, but it’s a simple one when you’re ready. By taking a moment to prepare and following the clear steps, you can smoothly transition away from the platform and move forward with your professional journey on your own terms.
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