Challenging LinkedIn with AI-matching and certifications
OpenAI has announced a bold new move into the employment space with the upcoming launch of its “OpenAI Jobs Platform,” a system that uses artificial intelligence to connect job seekers with companies. The service is expected to roll out by mid-2026 and will directly challenge Microsoft’s LinkedIn, creating new tension between the two firms despite their multibillion-dollar partnership.
The platform aims to do more than serve tech giants. According to OpenAI executive Fidji Simo, the company wants to assist local businesses and governments in accessing AI talent, broadening the focus beyond Silicon Valley’s elite. “It will have a track dedicated to helping local businesses compete,” Simo said, signaling a democratized approach to AI workforce matching.
New certifications to promote AI literacy
As part of the initiative, OpenAI will expand its “OpenAI Academy,” an online platform focused on teaching workers how to use AI on the job. The company plans to introduce certifications for different levels of AI fluency, from basic skills to advanced prompt engineering. These credentials will be integrated into workplace learning programs, with major employers like Walmart already participating.
A key feature of the program is “Study Mode” within ChatGPT, which transforms the chatbot into an interactive tutor. This functionality will support users in preparing for the certification exams by providing questions, hints, and structured feedback instead of direct answers. OpenAI has set an ambitious goal to certify 10 million American workers by 2030.
Rising AI anxiety in the labor market
OpenAI’s announcement comes at a time of growing anxiety over AI’s impact on jobs. High-profile companies such as Salesforce have cited artificial intelligence as a factor in recent layoffs, and labor market studies have indicated potential mass job displacement across various sectors. In response, OpenAI is positioning itself as a bridge rather than a threat—helping workers transition rather than replacing them.
CEO Sam Altman and other tech leaders recently met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss AI’s national implications. First lady Melania Trump addressed the group as well, emphasizing the importance of AI in education while calling for responsible management of its growth. OpenAI’s new job-related initiatives align with these concerns and are part of its ongoing commitment to the White House’s AI literacy goals.
Deepening U.S. ties amid corporate competition
This development also highlights OpenAI’s growing influence in public and private sectors. The company recently launched “OpenAI for Government” and secured a Department of Defense contract worth up to $200 million. It also plays a role in the $500 billion Stargate initiative, aimed at building AI infrastructure in the United States over the next four years.
While OpenAI and Microsoft remain financially linked—Microsoft has invested roughly $13 billion in the company—the two are increasingly stepping on each other’s toes. Microsoft has already labeled OpenAI a competitor in search and advertising. Now, OpenAI’s foray into job placement and certification encroaches on Microsoft’s territory again, with potential implications for their uneasy alliance.
Still, OpenAI argues that expanding AI fluency is not a zero-sum game. According to labor analytics firm Lightcast, roles requiring AI skills command higher salaries, indicating a growing economic premium on such expertise. OpenAI’s strategy appears to be seizing the opportunity to reskill the workforce before automation outpaces adaptation.
