OpenAI, known for ChatGPT, is preparing to shake up the professional networking and recruitment industry with a new initiative. The company has announced plans for a platform aimed at directly competing with LinkedIn, intending to transform how employers and employees connect in the era of artificial intelligence. The forthcoming OpenAI Jobs Platform, anticipated to debut by mid-2026, was disclosed in a blog post by Fidji Simo, CEO of Applications at OpenAI. She elaborated that the project aims to “use AI to help find the perfect matches between what companies need and what workers can offer.” Unlike conventional job portals, this platform will utilize AI-powered matching to more accurately align skill sets, experience, and employer requirements.
Simo also indicated that the platform will cater not only to major corporations but also to small businesses and local government entities, enabling them to leverage AI-driven recruitment to access skilled professionals who might be overlooked in traditional hiring processes. This initiative positions OpenAI in direct competition with LinkedIn, the established leader in professional networking. The rivalry is particularly noteworthy given that LinkedIn’s co-founder, Reid Hoffman, was among OpenAI’s initial supporters. Additionally, LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor and strategic ally. This situation raises questions about how the two companies will manage their collaboration in some sectors while competing in others. For OpenAI, this venture is part of a broader strategy to diversify its offerings beyond ChatGPT.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has indicated that Simo will supervise multiple applications beyond the chatbot. Reports indicate that the company is considering other consumer-oriented products, such as a web browser and potentially a social networking app. Concurrently, OpenAI is taking steps to assist workers in acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in an AI-driven economy. Through its OpenAI Academy, the firm intends to introduce certifications that gauge levels of “AI fluency.” A pilot program is planned for late 2025, with Walmart partnering to expand the effort nationwide. The ultimate goal is to certify 10 million Americans in AI skills by 2030. These initiatives align with the White House’s AI literacy program, where OpenAI is recognized as a significant contributor.
Altman, alongside other tech leaders, is expected to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House this week to discuss the long-term implications of AI on the workforce and society. Nonetheless, this announcement arrives amid increasing anxiety regarding AI’s potential effects on employment. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has warned that as many as 50 percent of entry-level white-collar jobs could vanish by 2030 due to AI automation. Simo acknowledged these worries in her blog entry, admitting that “disruption is unavoidable.” However, she stressed OpenAI’s duty to ensure that workers successfully adapt by acquiring AI skills and connecting with companies in need of those competencies.
With the introduction of its jobs platform, OpenAI is challenging LinkedIn’s supremacy while positioning itself at the forefront of the future workforce.