OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced plans to launch a dedicated AI-powered jobs platform by mid-2026, marking its formal entry into the professional networking and recruitment space.
The initiative positions OpenAI in direct competition with LinkedIn, the Microsoft-owned platform that has long dominated digital hiring and career development.
The new service, called the OpenAI Jobs Platform, will use artificial intelligence to match employers with candidates based on skill profiles, experience, and AI fluency.
Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, unveiled the plan in a company blog post, stating that the platform aims to “find the perfect matches between what companies need and what workers can offer”.
OpenAI Matching Talent with Opportunity Using AI
Unlike traditional job portals, OpenAI’s platform will leverage its proprietary AI models to conduct deeper assessments of candidate capabilities and employer requirements.
The system is designed to go beyond keyword matching, using contextual understanding to align job roles with verified skill sets.
The platform will serve not only large enterprises but also small businesses and local governments, which often struggle to access skilled talent.
The Texas Association of Business is among the early partners, planning to use the platform to connect thousands of employers with AI-ready workers.
This move reflects OpenAI’s broader strategy to support workforce transformation in an era of rapid automation and digital disruption.
Certification Through OpenAI Academy: Building AI Fluency
To complement the hiring platform, OpenAI is expanding its training initiative through the OpenAI Academy.
A pilot certification program will launch in late 2025. It will offer structured learning paths ranging from basic AI literacy to advanced prompt engineering.
Users will be able to prepare for certification directly within ChatGPT’s “Study mode,” which simulates a tutor-like experience by prompting learners, offering feedback, and guiding them through exercises.
The company aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030. Major employers like Walmart and John Deere have already signed on as partners.
These certifications are intended to serve as verifiable credentials that employers can trust when hiring for AI-related roles.
Navigating Disruption: A Response to AI-Driven Job Loss
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about AI’s impact on employment.
Industry leaders have warned about the disruptive impact of automation on the workforce.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei estimates that up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs could be eliminated by 2030.
Fidji acknowledged this risk, stating that while OpenAI cannot prevent disruption, it can help workers adapt by becoming “AI-fluent” and connecting with employers who value those skills.
The company’s approach blends job matching with upskilling, aiming to create a more resilient workforce.
Strategic Tensions with Microsoft and LinkedIn
OpenAI’s move into hiring services introduces a layer of complexity in its relationship with Microsoft, which remains its largest investor.
Microsoft has invested over $13 billion in OpenAI and owns LinkedIn, the platform now directly challenged by OpenAI’s new venture4.
LinkedIn’s co-founder Reid Hoffman, an early OpenAI investor, contributed to the company’s early growth.
He stepped down from OpenAI’s board in 2023 to avoid conflicts of interest.
Both companies continue to collaborate in areas like cloud infrastructure and AI research.
At the same time, their competition in search, advertising, and recruitment highlights the evolving dynamics of the tech ecosystem.
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