How to Apply

What are the residency requirements?

The Colorado Constitution, Article XII, Section 13 requires that applicants for state classified government jobs be residents of Colorado, unless the work to be performed is primarily within 30 miles of the State of Colorado’s border, or waived by the State Personnel Director or the State Personnel Board. If the residency requirement has been waived for an announced vacancy, it will be noted on the job announcement and applications will be considered from individuals who are not residents of Colorado.

Non-classified positions not governed by State Personnel Rules may consider applications from individuals who are not residents of Colorado. An offer of employment, if extended, would require becoming a resident of Colorado by the employment start date. All work must be performed in the State of Colorado.

How will I know if an announcement will consider applications from out of state?

In addition to other important information, the full, official job announcement will note if the announcement will consider applications from individuals who are not residents of Colorado. 

To view the full, official job announcement, click on the job title, and then click the printer icon. The announcement will either open in a new window or a new tab in your browser.

Who qualifies as a resident of the state of Colorado?

You are considered a resident of the state of Colorado the moment you reside within the state. Unlike university/college “residency requirements” for education which typically require proof that you reside within the state for at least one year, you can apply for state of Colorado classified government positions starting the moment you reside within Colorado.

Will I be asked to prove my residency? If so, what will I need?

Yes, the HR Specialist for any announced state position may contact you and ask for proof of this residency. Items used to prove current state of Colorado residency for employment include the following: 

• A current, valid Colorado Driver's License or Colorado State ID is proof of residency;
• A current utility bill (water, power bill, etc.) from your address with your name and current Colorado residence on it;
• A current landline phone bill to your current Colorado address with your name on it;
• A current state of Colorado voter registration with your name and current Colorado address;
• A current state of Colorado motor vehicle registration with your name and current Colorado address; 
• A current deed/ lease for a residence in Colorado with your name;
• A current Colorado state tax return with your name and Colorado address; OR
• A DD Form 2058, State of Legal Residence Certificate, demonstrating Colorado residency.

Is an online application my only option to apply?

Paper applications are accepted. However, we recommend that you try our online application system. This website will enable you to create a secure profile that can save as many applications, resumes and other electronic documents you wish to submit for various positions. This system is also the easiest way to check the status of any position you apply for.

Please note that the paper application is currently being updated to reflect the most recent changes made by C.R.S. 8-2-131 Job Application Fairness Act. If an applicant is completing the current paper application, please do not provide information in the data fields that include information pertaining to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

If an agency requests or requires an applicant to provide additional application materials at the time of initial application, the employer must notify the applicant that the applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Printable PDF Application 

Important note: Addresses and fax numbers may be different for each job posting – be sure that you are submitting your paper application to the correct address and/or fax number listed on each job posting.

What if I am covered by the Address Confidentiality Program?

If you are covered by the Address Confidentiality Program as provided by Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 24-30-2101 through 24-30-2115, please notify the Human Resources office or analyst listed on the job announcement so that you are provided the appropriate time extension for notifications provided by U.S. Postal Service. The extension allowed under this program applies only to the U.S. Postal Service notifications that include a deadline of 10 days or less.

How do I request an Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAAA) accommodation?

• The State of Colorado complies with the ADAAA to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities. The ADAAA applies to all areas of employment, including pre-employment and employment testing. It is the job applicant’s responsibility to request accommodations if needed for employment examinations.
• To request reasonable accommodations for a comparative analysis process, you must do so at least three days prior to the administration of the comparative analysis. Refer to the agency/department contact information on the scheduling notice or on the specific job announcement. 
• Your accommodation request should be directed to the ADAAA contact specified on the job announcement.

I've been referred for an interview. What should I expect?

Generally, the hiring manager of the position will contact you to schedule you for an interview. An interview could be a conversation over the phone or internet or in-person, either one-on-one or in front of a group or multiple groups. You may be asked to complete a presentation, perform a job-related task, and/or answer a series of questions about yourself and your experience. The hiring manager has the discretion to hire any candidate that has been referred.

I've been appointed to a classified position. What happens now?

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

Once appointed to a classified position, you will serve a probationary period, not to exceed one year. This is the final part of the selection process and performance on the job is reviewed carefully. Upon satisfactory completion of this probationary period, you will receive a "certified" status.

What if I disagree with the selection or comparative analysis process? 

All applicants who are directly affected by the selection and comparative analysis process may request a review in accordance with federal and state law or the “Dispute Resolution” chapter of the Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures (Personnel Rules). 

Do I have any appeal rights?

If you receive notice that you are no longer considered for a position or you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may request a Director’s Review by the State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notic.

The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available on the Board Rules page.

A standard appeal form is available on the Forms page. 

If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you 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. 

If you are making a claim of discrimination, retaliation or whistle blowing, the same rules apply on filing. Your appeal will be reviewed by the State Personnel Board.