Application & Selection Process

How to Apply

  1. Review CDOT's Open Competitive job announcements. 
  2. If you are interested in a job, read the full job announcement, including salary range, location, duties, minimum qualifications, etc.
  3. To apply online, click the "Apply" link within the announcement, then either sign in or create an account in the system.
  4. Submit your application by the posted deadline. Be sure to follow all instructions and provide all requested documents and information.

Overview of the CDOT Selection Process

  1. Application Screening: When the job announcement closes, all applications are evaluated against the minimum qualifications listed in the announcement. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications are notified via e-mail. Applicants who do meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the comparative analysis process and will be notified of their status and the next steps in the process.
  2. Comparative Analysis:  Applicants who are deemed to meet the minimum qualifications go through this process. The number and types of assessments performed at this stage depend on the job duties of the position and the total number of applicants. Assessment steps may include any of the following: structured application review, written essay, performance exam, role play, panel interview, and others. The goal is to evaluate candidates on their job-related knowledge, skills and experience to narrow to the top six or fewer passing candidates who will be referred and get final consideration for the position.
  3. Final Consideration and Reference Check: Next steps in the selection process may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following: resume review, phone conversation, interview and/or reference checking. Supervisors consider all of this information, in addition to the comparative analysis process, when making their final selection. Supervisors can choose any one of the top six passing candidates to fill the position, based on who they determine is the best overall fit.
  4. Job Offer: After careful consideration of each candidate, the supervisor makes the final selection. Depending on type of work performed by the position, a job offer may be contingent on the results of a drug test, physical examination, Motor Vehicle Record review and/or criminal background check.

Visit the State of Colorado Careers page for more information on how to apply for a State of Colorado job.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for a position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within ten (10) days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn.: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (303) 757-9216 or the contact listed on this announcement as soon as possible to be timely for the assessment process. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to participate in the hiring process. The person making the request may be asked to provide additional information regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed which will be kept confidential. Advance preparation may be required so requests for accommodation need to be timely for each part of the assessment.