OpenAI unveils AI jobs platform to challenge LinkedIn

OpenAI has announced it is building an AI-powered hiring platform, positioning itself as a competitor to LinkedIn. The new product, called the OpenAI Jobs Platform, is expected to launch by mid-2026, according to the company. Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, revealed the plan in a blog post, stating that the service aims to match businesses with employees by using AI to better align company needs with worker skills. She also highlighted a dedicated track for small businesses and local governments to access AI talent. This move signals OpenAI’s intent to expand beyond its flagship product, ChatGPT, into other consumer and enterprise services. CEO Sam Altman has previously suggested that Simo would lead a broader portfolio of applications, which could include a web browser and social media platform alongside the hiring service. The new platform could place OpenAI in direct competition with LinkedIn, a company co-founded by Reid Hoffman, an early OpenAI investor, and now owned by Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest backer. LinkedIn has been incorporating AI features to enhance job-matching over the past year, making the competition notable. As part of this effort, OpenAI also plans to roll out certifications through its OpenAI Academy. A pilot program for OpenAI Certifications is scheduled to begin in late 2025, focusing on assessing various levels of AI fluency. The company is partnering with Walmart, one of the world’s largest employers, to support this program, with a goal of certifying 10 million Americans by 2030. While AI is expected to reshape the job market, with some experts warning that up to half of entry-level white-collar jobs could be displaced by 2030, Simo acknowledged the risks but emphasized the importance of preparing people for these changes. She said OpenAI cannot prevent disruption but can help workers adapt by building their AI skills and connecting them with opportunities. These initiatives are part of OpenAI’s commitment to a White House push for AI literacy. Altman and other tech leaders are set to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss AI’s role in the economy and society.