OpenAI has announced plans to develop an AI-powered recruitment platform designed to connect businesses with job seekers, positioning the service as a strong competitor to LinkedIn. Named the OpenAI Recruitment Platform, the company expects to launch the service by mid-2026, according to a spokesperson who spoke with TechCrunch.
In a blog post announcing the initiative, OpenAI Applications CEO Fidji Simo stated that the company aims to “leverage AI to enable perfect alignment between organizational needs and employee capabilities.” Simo emphasized that the platform will offer specialized access routes for small businesses and local governments to attract top AI talent.
This move marks another strategic expansion for OpenAI beyond its core consumer product, ChatGPT. During a recent dinner event, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that Simo will oversee multiple applications beyond chatbots, including the recruitment platform, as well as other rumored projects like a browser and social media tools.
The introduction of OpenAI’s recruitment platform will likely place it in direct competition with LinkedIn, co-founded by Reid Hoffman, one of OpenAI’s earliest investors. LinkedIn is currently owned by Microsoft, which also serves as one of OpenAI’s largest financial backers.
Over the past year, LinkedIn has been actively integrating AI features into its platform to improve job matching between employers and candidates.
In addition, OpenAI plans to roll out certification programs through its recently launched online initiative, OpenAI Academy. These programs will cater to individuals with varying levels of AI proficiency. A company spokesperson confirmed that a pilot phase for the OpenAI Certification is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
Many tech leaders have expressed concerns over AI’s potential to disrupt traditional job markets. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei previously warned that AI could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs by 2030. In her blog post, Simo acknowledged these risks, stating that OpenAI cannot prevent such disruption. However, she noted that the company can play a role by equipping individuals with AI skills and connecting them with organizations that need them.
The maker of ChatGPT also revealed a partnership with Walmart—one of the world’s largest private employers—to support the certification initiative, aiming to certify 10 million Americans by 2030.
OpenAI says these programs are part of its commitment to the White House’s initiative to expand AI literacy. Altman and other tech executives are set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss AI-related developments.
