OpenAI Launches AI-Powered Hiring Platform, Takes on LinkedIn

OpenAI is launching an AI-powered hiring platform to connect businesses with AI-skilled workers, taking on Microsoft's LinkedIn. The platform will use AI to match companies with candidates, focusing on small businesses and local governments. OpenAI is also launching an AI certification program, in partnership with Walmart, aiming to skill 10 million Americans by 2030. The announcement comes amid conversations about AI's potential to eliminate entry-level jobs.

OpenAI has announced its ambitious plans to launch an AI-powered hiring platform, set to compete with Microsoft's LinkedIn, and a certification program in partnership with Walmart. The initiative aims to connect businesses with AI-skilled workers and certify 10 million Americans by 2030.

The OpenAI Jobs Platform, scheduled for a mid-2026 launch, will leverage AI to match companies with candidates, with a particular focus on small businesses and local governments. This segment of the market has historically struggled to access top-tier AI talent. The platform will also include a specialized track for these businesses, addressing their unique hiring needs [1].

OpenAI's certification program, in partnership with Walmart, will offer free access to AI certifications through Walmart Academy. The program is expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026 and aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030. This initiative is part of Walmart's broader commitment to investing in its associates and preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow [2].

The announcement comes amidst growing concerns about AI's potential impact on entry-level jobs. According to a Stanford University paper, early-career workers in AI-exposed industries have experienced significant declines in employment since late 2022. A similar Harvard study noted that entry-level hiring at AI-adopting firms dropped 7.7% over six quarters since early 2023 [3].

Despite these challenges, OpenAI is positioning itself as a key player in workforce development. The company's dual approach—certification and employment support—aims to help workers adapt to the changing job market and find suitable employment opportunities.

References:
[1] OpenAI announces AI-powered hiring platform to take on LinkedIn (https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/04/openai-announces-ai-powered-hiring-platform-to-take-on-linkedin/)
[2] OpenAI plans to certify 10 million Americans in generative AI by 2030, partnering with Walmart to train workers (https://www.ainvest.com/news/openai-walmart-partner-certify-10-million-americans-generative-ai-2030-2509/)
[3] As AI eats entry-level jobs, uncertainty fills the gap (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ai-eats-entry-level-jobs-144609656.html)