Linkedin API

(Note: I noticed that the tag you selected is Outlook | MacOS | New Outlook for Mac | For education, however, your question is directly related to the LinkedIn API. Therefore, my response is based on my own research, and please let me know if I have misunderstood anything).

Hi Jessica Pham

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based on your questions, I understand you are looking to use the LinkedIn API to search for your school's alumni and gather public information like their name, job, and email. This is a great way to build a professional network, and I's like to explain the capabilities of the LinkedIn API and guide you toward the officially supported tools for your project.

Currently, directly searching and exporting data for a general list of LinkedIn members (like alumni) is not possible through the self-service LinkedIn APIs available on the developer portal.

The reason for this is central to LinkedIn's mission is protecting member privacy and data. To prevent spam, data scraping, and unwanted contact, LinkedIn strictly controls access to its member database.

(Important: These links below will take you to LinkedIn, which is outside Microsoft’s domain. Please note that Microsoft is not responsible for the accuracy, security, or advertising on external sites)

Accessing LinkedIn APIs | LinkedIn Help

Access to search the full member database is restricted to a small number of companies in the exclusive "Vetted API Partner Program". This program is designed for large-scale enterprise solutions (e.g., recruiting or sales platforms) and is not available for general development projects.

However, I also found some recommended solutions you can try. While the API is not the tool for this task, LinkedIn provides powerful built-in features that are perfectly designed for your goal, which you can use, and I hope they prove helpful.

Use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (Highly Recommended & Free): This is the best and most effective method. It is designed specifically for what you want to do. For detailed information, you can see: Alumni tab on a LinkedIn Page | LinkedIn Help

Use Advanced Search on LinkedIn: You can also use the main search bar with filters to find alumni.

For more detailed information and guidance, you can refer to: Filter the Talent Pool Report by school and degree in Talent Insights | LinkedIn Help

If this is a large-scale or ongoing project, you can try a premium subscription (It often comes with a one-month free trial) like LinkedIn Sales Navigator. It offers much more advanced search filters, the ability to save lists, and removes commercial search limits.

LinkedIn Premium free trial | Sales Navigator Help

Please note that using automated scripts or third-party tools to collect data from LinkedIn profiles is a direct violation of the LinkedIn User Agreement and API Terms of Use. Engaging in such activity can lead to permanent suspension of your LinkedIn account. I strongly recommend using only the official tools listed above to protect your account and respect the privacy of other members.

API Terms of Use

I hope this explanation is helpful. While I know this may not be the direct API solution you were initially looking for, the Alumni Tool on LinkedIn is a powerful and free feature that should effectively meet the needs of your project.

Additionally, may I ask if you are currently experiencing any issues or concerns with Outlook so that I can assist you further? I'd like to share some referral information below for your reference:

LinkedIn in Microsoft apps and services - Microsoft Support

LinkedIn API Documentation - LinkedIn | Microsoft Learn

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask via comments section.

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