OpenAI, best known for ChatGPT, is preparing to enter the professional networking and hiring space. The company announced that it will launch the OpenAI Jobs Platform in 2026, designed to connect businesses with AI-skilled workers, directly competing with Microsoft-owned LinkedIn.
How the Platform Works
Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s recently appointed CEO of applications, revealed that the platform will use AI-driven matching to connect employers and talent. “The goal is to help find the perfect matches between what companies need and what workers can offer,” Simo said.
The platform will also cater to small businesses and local governments, enabling them to access AI-ready workers who can boost digital transformation. The Texas Association of Business has already announced plans to leverage the platform for thousands of employers.
Certification Programme for AI Skills
To ensure candidates are truly proficient, OpenAI is introducing an AI certification program under its OpenAI Academy. Starting with a pilot in late 2025, the program will cover everything from basic AI fluency to advanced prompt engineering.
Retail giant Walmart is among the first partners, aiming to integrate the certification into its workforce training. Importantly, certification preparation will be available directly within ChatGPT’s Study Mode, making learning accessible and interactive.
Addressing Job Disruption Concerns
The move comes amid debates over AI’s potential to displace jobs. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently predicted AI could erase up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs by 2030. Simo acknowledged this reality, stating that OpenAI “cannot eliminate disruption” but can help workers become AI-fluent and find new opportunities.
LinkedIn in the Crosshairs
The announcement is significant because LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, an early OpenAI backer, stepped away from its board in 2023 to avoid conflicts of interest with his other AI ventures. Now, OpenAI is directly entering LinkedIn’s domain with a platform designed to serve both corporate hiring needs and worker upskilling.
By combining AI-powered recruitment with trusted certification, OpenAI aims to reshape how workers are trained, verified, and hired in the AI-driven economy.
