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Applicant Rights and Responsibilities

Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to providing our job applicants with the best experience possible when applying for positions. To assist, this “Applicant Rights and Responsibilities” document will clarify the expectations applicants may reasonably have when applying for positions. In addition, we have provided applicants with a list of their responsibilities so they can best manage their employment search. After reading this document, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about our recruitment and selection process at csurecruiting@csu.org or at (719) 668-7500. If you are a disabled applicant and experience difficulties with this document or the application process, please email accessibility@csu.org or call the above phone number for assistance.

Applicant Rights

As an applicant, you have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect - Applicants have the right to be treated with respect and dignity in every interaction regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or other personal characteristics.
  • Confidentiality - To the extent permitted by law, applicants have the right to security and confidentiality regarding their applicant data, personal background information, details of their job search, information on their application and/or resume, assessment scores, test results or any additional information as an applicant.
  • Communication - Applicants have the right to receive responses to practical questions regarding their application, the recruitment and selection process, or decision criteria at any time in the selection process. Applicants have the right to clear communication regarding the requirements of the selection process, including required supplementary information, pre-employment testing requirements or other criteria deemed appropriate to the selection process.
  • Be screened and assessed with fairness and consistency - Applicants have the right to be screened and assessed throughout all selection phases with appropriate measures which are job-relevant, fair, consistent, and meet all professional standards and criteria.
  • Request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) - Applicants who qualify as an individual with a disability under the ADA have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations or modifications in accordance with the provisions of the ADA and other relevant legislation for any step in the selection process. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@csu.org.

E-verify - English/Spanish pdf opens in a new tab

Right To Work - English/Spanish pdf opens in a new tab

Applicant Responsibilities

  • Familiarize and understand the Applicant Rights and Responsibilities document - It is the applicant’s responsibility to read the document and familiarize himself or herself with the information contained herein.
  • Be honest - It is the applicant’s responsibility to accurately represent previous work history, qualifications, skills and experience and to provide true and complete information in connection with his or her application/resume and any additional required information or assessments.
  • Actively manage the employment opportunity - It is the applicant’s responsibility to actively manage the employment opportunity by:
    • thoroughly reading the job posting and its requirements;
    • personally completing the application to ensure accurate representation of all information;
    • following all instructions before submitting the application;
    • regularly checking email for additional requirements for the position or additional communication;
    • following any specific instructions for the completion of any additional steps throughout the selection process;
    • keeping applicant information updated in Colorado Springs Utilities’ system; and
    • regularly checking on the status of his or her application throughout the selection process.
  • Request accommodation in the recruiting and selection process – It is the applicant’s responsibility if he or she qualifies as an individual with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act to request a reasonable accommodation for any step in the selection process. Email accessibility@csu.org or call the Utilities Resource Center at (719) 668-7500.

If an applicant fails to meet these responsibilities:

  • If an applicant fails to meet the responsibilities outlined in 1 through 3 above, he or she will not be eligible to move on in the selection process and will be withdrawn from consideration for the position.

Pre-Employment Testing Information

What You Should Know About Pre-Employment Testing

If you apply for a job with Colorado Springs Utilities, you will likely be asked to take a test or assessment as part of our hiring process. Generally speaking, there are four main types of pre-employment tests — aptitude, personality, skills, and job knowledge. Here are five general tips you may find helpful for how to approach these types of tests, whether with us or another prospective employer:

  • Relax. If a company or organization uses pre-employment testing, it is usually only one of a number of factors used to determine your suitability for the job. In addition to the tests, many employers rely on applications, resumes, cover letters, licenses and certifications (depending on the job), as well as subsequent interviews, references, and background checks to find the best person for the position. Tests help provide a uniform and fair method of comparing job applicants. So, if you're asked to take an employment test — don't get angry. Even senior executives at the best companies in the world are often asked to take pre-employment tests. If your prospective employer sees you are upset at being asked to take a test, they may be concerned about how you will handle the normal day-to-day job stress, so try to relax and you will actually test better.
  • Don't sweat personality tests. Personality tests are popular, but most job applicants do not understand what they are or how they are used. The most important thing for you to remember is that there are no right or wrong answers. Personality tests are designed to measure "traits" that are associated with successful performance of a certain job. For example, a company may have determined that its best salespeople tend to be outgoing and competitive. Among other measures, they may give a personality test to try to find people with those traits. Some people think they should try to fake it and answer questions in the way that they think the employer wants. This approach does not work for several reasons:
  • Most personality tests contain an internal validity scale that detects attempts to misrepresent yourself. If your answers are seen as being dishonest then you actually hurt your chances of being hired.
  • Employers administer personality tests to determine if you are a good fit for the job and if the job is a good fit for you. Even if you are somehow able to fool them into thinking you have the personality type they are looking for, chances are you will not be very good at, or happy with, the job if you do get it.
  • Preventing employee turnover is one of the most important reasons companies give pre-employment tests. They do not want to waste the time and money hiring and training someone who will not work out or someone who leaves them. So, even if you do manage to fake your way through a personality test, chances are in a few weeks or months you will be right back where you are now: looking for a new job. Whatever your personality is, there is a job that is right for you. Figure out what that job is, and go find it.
  • Make time. Employment tests can be given on site (at the company's place of business) or off (for example, most of our tests are web-based and can be completed at home). Depending on the type of test or tests, you may need a few minutes or several hours. For our pre-employment tests, expected time to complete each section is provided when you register on-line. Be sure you take the test in a location that is free from distractions for the expected duration of the test.
  • Read the instructions. The most common mistake test-takers make is rushing through instructions. It is very important to read the instructions carefully and make certain you understand them. If provided, take the time to complete the sample questions before the test. Additionally, sometimes instructions contain information about how the test is scored. For example, on some aptitude tests you may be told that there is no penalty for incorrect answers. In this case, if you are running out of time you should start guessing.
  • Prepare. Test-takers who are comfortable and relaxed will do better, so becoming familiar with the types of tests and questions may be helpful. There is no way to prepare for a personality test (except to read tip #2) but if you are curious, you can take a sample personality test.

We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you the best on any tests you may be asked to complete with us! For more information, please review our Pre-Employment Testing Guide. In here, you will find additional information on the types of tests we generally give at Colorado Springs Utilities, helpful hints on the best ways to prepare for a test, answers to frequently asked questions, techniques for reducing test anxiety, and information on how to obtain test accommodations if you are a qualified individual with a disability under the American With Disabilities Act.

Additionally, the company we use for our tests offers information about the various types of tests and assessments used, advice for candidates, practice tests and more to help you prepare and feel more confident about the testing process. To check out some of the practice tests available, visit these Practice Tests.

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