OpenAI says it is building an AI-powered jobs platform; to rival LinkedIn

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has announced its entry into the recruitment industry with a new AI-centered jobs platform, a move that could place it in direct competition with its primary investor, Microsoft, and its professional networking giant, LinkedIn.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance AI literacy as the company expands its suite of consumer and enterprise applications.

The “OpenAI Jobs Platform,” slated for a mid-2026 launch, will leverage artificial intelligence to connect skilled candidates with companies.

In a blog post, Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s chief executive officer of applications, emphasized the platform’s inclusive approach.

“Importantly, the jobs platform won’t just be a way for big companies to attract more talent,” Simo stated. “It will have a track dedicated to helping local businesses compete, and local governments find the AI talent they need to better serve their constituents.”

This development adds a complex layer to the uneasy alliance between OpenAI and Microsoft. While Microsoft has invested a reported $13 billion in the AI pioneer, it also officially identified the startup as a competitor in search and advertising in a 2023 annual filing.

In a parallel move that also challenges LinkedIn’s offerings, OpenAI will expand its “OpenAI Academy,” an online learning hub.

The academy will introduce a new certification program for various levels of AI proficiency, from foundational skills to advanced prompt engineering. The program will utilize ChatGPT’s interactive “Study mode” to tutor users.

OpenAI has already partnered with Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., and aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030.

These initiatives arrive amidst growing public anxiety over AI’s impact on the labor market. Acknowledging the “disruptive” force of the technology, Simo positioned OpenAI’s efforts as a solution to empower the workforce.

“[W]hat we can do is help more people become fluent in AI and connect them with companies that need their skills, to give people more economic opportunities,” she said.

The announcement aligns with OpenAI’s increasing engagement with Washington, framed as part of its “commitment to the White House’s efforts toward expanding AI literacy.”

The company’s growing influence in policy and government was further highlighted by CEO Sam Altman’s recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.