OpenAI Unveils AI Driven Jobs Platform to Challenge LinkedIn in 2026

OpenAI announces the development of an AI-powered hiring platform, the OpenAI Jobs Platform, set to launch by mid-2026. This new service aims to connect businesses and employees, positioning the company as a direct competitor to LinkedIn.

OpenAI CEO of Applications Fidji Simo reveals the new endeavor in a blog post, stating that the platform will use AI to find the perfect matches between what companies need and what workers can offer. The service will also feature a dedicated track for small businesses and local governments to access top AI talent.

Expanding into New Markets

OpenAI is looking to expand beyond its core consumer offering, ChatGPT, into several new markets. At a recent dinner with reporters, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned that Simo would oversee several applications, including the OpenAI Jobs Platform and potentially other offerings like a browser and a social media app.

The announcement places OpenAI in direct competition with LinkedIn, which was co-founded by Reid Hoffman, one of OpenAI’s earliest investors. LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft—OpenAI’s largest financial backer—has been working to infuse its platform with AI features to help match job candidates with businesses.

AI Fluency Certifications

In addition to the hiring platform, OpenAI plans to start offering certifications for people with different levels of 'AI fluency' through its OpenAI Academy, an online program launched last year. An OpenAI spokesperson says the company plans to launch a pilot of OpenAI Certifications in late 2025.

Many tech executives have raised concerns about AI disrupting traditional jobs. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has predicted that AI could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs before 2030. In her blog post, Simo acknowledges this risk, saying OpenAI can’t prevent the disruption but can help by making people fluent in AI and connecting them with companies that need their skills.

Partnerships and Initiatives

OpenAI is working with Walmart, one of the world's largest private employers, on its certification program. The goal is to certify 10 million Americans by 2030. These programs are part of OpenAI’s commitment to the White House’s initiative to expand AI literacy. Altman and other Big Tech executives are meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss AI.

Industry Impact

The introduction of the OpenAI Jobs Platform and AI fluency certifications could significantly reshape the job market and the way businesses and employees connect. As AI continues to evolve, the ability to understand and work with these technologies will become increasingly important. OpenAI’s move into the hiring space signals a broader shift in the tech industry towards integrating AI into all aspects of business operations.

References

1. OpenAI announces AI-powered hiring platform to take on LinkedIn | TechCrunch