20 Orkin Interview Questions and Answers

Orkin is the world’s largest pest control company, with over 400 locations in the United States alone. Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services, as well as termite protection and bed bug removal.

The Orkin interview process is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to provide excellent customer service, as well as their knowledge of pests and pest control methods. If you’re hoping to land a job at Orkin, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your customer service experience and your knowledge of pests.

In this guide, we’ve provided a list of sample Orkin interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Orkin Interview Process

The interview process at Orkin can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like customer service representative or sales inspector, the process is relatively quick and easy. For other positions, like regional administrative assistant or technician, the process may be more lengthy, with multiple interviews spread out over a period of weeks or even months. Overall, the experience seems to be positive, with most applicants finding the interviewer to be professional and courteous.

1. What would you do if a customer was unhappy with the pest control service they received?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills. Showcase your ability to communicate with customers and resolve their concerns by providing an example of a time you helped a client feel satisfied with their service.

Example: “If a customer was unhappy, I would first listen to what they had to say and ask questions to understand their concerns. Then, I would find out if there were any issues that needed immediate attention or if they just wanted to discuss their overall experience. I would also offer them a solution to make things right, such as extending their contract for free or offering a discount on future services.”

2. Do you have experience working in an outside environment?

Orkin employees often work in an outside environment, so the interviewer wants to know if you’re comfortable doing this. If you have experience working outdoors, share a story about how you handled it. If you don’t have any outdoor experience, explain that you are willing to learn and develop your skills for this type of job.

Example: “I worked as a landscaper during my summer break from college, so I am familiar with working outside. However, I would like to improve my skills and knowledge of pest control methods. I’m excited to learn more about Orkin’s services and products.”

3. Describe your experience handling and applying chemicals.

Orkin technicians use a variety of chemicals to treat infestations. The interviewer wants to make sure you have experience using these chemicals and can do so safely. In your answer, explain how you’ve used chemicals in the past and what steps you take to ensure safety when handling them.

Example: “In my last position as an Orkin technician, I was responsible for applying pesticides to residential properties. Before beginning any treatment, I would always read the product label thoroughly to understand all precautions and warnings. Then, I would wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles and a respirator. Finally, I would apply the pesticide according to the instructions on the label.”

4. How well do you work under pressure?

Orkin employees often work in high-pressure situations, such as when a customer is waiting for them to complete an extermination. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle pressure well and perform your job duties effectively. In your answer, explain that you are able to stay calm under pressure and focus on the task at hand.

Example: “I have worked in many high-pressure situations throughout my career. I find that being prepared helps me remain calm and focused during these times. When I am working with customers, I always try to be friendly and helpful so they feel comfortable while we wait for the treatment to take effect.”

5. Are you comfortable climbing ladders or crawling through attics?

Orkin employees often need to climb ladders or crawl through attics. These are common job duties, and the interviewer wants to make sure you’re comfortable with these tasks. If you have any hesitations about this type of work, be honest about them in your answer.

Example: “I’m very comfortable climbing ladders and crawling through attics. I’ve done both many times throughout my career, and I find it’s a great way to get into tight spaces where pests may hide. However, I do understand that some people aren’t as comfortable doing these things as others. I would always encourage anyone who is uncomfortable to ask for help.”

6. Are you able to lift 50 lbs.?

Orkin employees need to be able to lift heavy objects, including furniture and appliances. This question helps the interviewer determine if you are physically capable of doing this job. If you have any physical limitations that prevent you from lifting 50 pounds, explain what alternatives you can use instead.

Example: “Yes, I am able to lift 50 pounds. In my last position as a pest control technician, I had to move large pieces of furniture and appliances on a regular basis. I used a dolly for larger items and moved smaller ones with a hand truck. I also learned how to use a pulley system to help me lift heavier objects.”

7. Have you ever worked for another pest control company before? If so, what did you like about it?

Orkin is a large company that offers many opportunities for advancement. If you have experience working in the pest control industry, your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your background and how it relates to Orkin’s culture. In your answer, try to highlight what you liked about your previous employer while also emphasizing why you’re excited to work for Orkin.

Example: “I’ve worked for another pest control company before, but I’m much more interested in working for Orkin because of its reputation as one of the best companies in the industry. My previous employer was a smaller company with fewer resources, so we had to be creative when solving problems. I enjoyed that challenge and learned a lot from my time there.”

8. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer.

Orkin employees often interact with customers who are upset about a pest infestation. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to handle challenging situations. In your answer, explain how you diffused the situation and resolved the customer’s problem.

Example: “When I worked as an exterminator, I had a customer who was very unhappy that we couldn’t treat her home for bedbugs. She called me multiple times to complain about our service. Eventually, I scheduled a visit to her home to perform another inspection. I found evidence of bedbugs in her mattress, so I treated it right away. The customer was much happier after that.”

9. When was the last time you used a tablet or smartphone?

Orkin uses tablets and smartphones to complete many of their tasks, so the interviewer wants to know if you’re familiar with these devices. If you have used a tablet or smartphone recently, describe what you did on it. If not, explain that you’ve never used one before but would be willing to learn how.

Example: “I use my phone every day for work-related purposes. I check emails, send texts and make calls using my phone. I also use my phone to look up information online when I need more details about a pest control issue. I haven’t used a tablet before, but I’m open to learning how.”

10. Why is Orkin unique from other pest control companies?

Orkin is a unique pest control company because of its size and the services it offers. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you understand Orkin’s uniqueness and how that might fit into your career goals. In your answer, try to highlight what makes Orkin different from other companies in the industry.

Example: “Orkin is one of the largest pest control companies in the world, but unlike many large companies, they still have a local feel. I think that’s really important because it means customers can get more personalized service. Another thing that sets Orkin apart is their commitment to research and development. They are always coming up with new ways to help people keep pests out of their homes.”

11. Can you tell us about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Orkin employees work together to complete projects, so it’s important that you can collaborate with others. When answering this question, show your ability to communicate and resolve conflict in a positive way.

Example: “When I was working on my undergraduate degree, there were two professors who disagreed about how the class should be taught. One professor wanted to teach the course using textbooks, while the other wanted to use online resources. The students had mixed opinions as well, but we all met to discuss our concerns and come up with a solution. We decided to split the class into two sections, one for each teaching style.”

12. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are honest, but also confident in your abilities. When answering this question, be sure to highlight a few of your strengths while being humble. You can also include a weakness if it is not too much of a problem for you.

Example: “I am very organized and detail-oriented. I always make sure to follow the procedures set by my employer and perform all tasks with care. My only weakness is that sometimes I work too hard and forget to take breaks. This has happened at previous jobs, so I have learned to balance my work and rest time better.”

13. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

Orkin is a company that values innovation, and they want to make sure you have the skills necessary to be innovative. When answering this question, think about what makes you an innovative person. Consider mentioning some of your own personal traits or habits that help you come up with new ideas.

Example: “I believe the most important thing when trying to be innovative is to always keep an open mind. I’ve found that if you’re too set in your ways, it can be hard to see things from different perspectives. For example, when I first started working as a pest control technician, I was very focused on using traditional methods to get rid of pests. However, after talking to my supervisor, I realized there were other options available to me.”

14. Are you willing to relocate?

Orkin hires pest control specialists across the United States. Depending on where you live, Orkin may need to relocate you for this position. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to move if necessary. Before your interview, research the areas Orkin services. Consider how far you would be willing to relocate. Explain why you are or aren’t willing to relocate in your answer.

Example: “I am willing to relocate for this job. I have lived in Georgia my whole life, but I’m ready for a change of scenery. If you hire me, I will do whatever it takes to get started with Orkin.”

15. How do you feel about working with children and pets?

Orkin often works with children and pets, so the interviewer wants to know if you have any reservations about working in these situations. If you do, explain how you would handle them.

Example: “I love working with children and pets because I find it rewarding when they learn something new or overcome a fear. However, I always make sure that my clients are aware of what we’re doing before we start spraying pesticides around their homes. In addition, I always wear protective gear when working with both children and animals.”

16. Are you familiar with any computer programs?

Orkin may ask this question to see if you have any experience with computer programs that can help you in your role. If you are not familiar with any, you should explain what other skills you do have and how they could benefit the company.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also use Google Drive for my organization and collaboration needs. These programs allow me to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations quickly and efficiently. They also make it easy for me to share information with others.”

17. The job requires a lot of driving. How comfortable are you with that?

Orkin technicians often drive to their clients’ homes and businesses. The interviewer wants to make sure you’re comfortable with this aspect of the job. If you have any concerns about driving, be honest about them. You can also mention that you plan on getting a driver’s license or taking defensive driving courses if you don’t already have one.

Example: “I’m very comfortable with driving. I’ve been driving for over 10 years now, so it’s second nature to me. However, I do understand that there are times when we need to take public transportation or hire a taxi because our vehicles aren’t working properly. I am willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done.”

18. Do you have a valid driver’s license?

Orkin employees need to have a valid driver’s license so they can drive company vehicles. If you don’t currently have a driver’s license, you should explain why and what steps you’re taking to get one.

Example: “Yes, I do have a valid driver’s license. However, I am from out of state, and my license is still in the process of being transferred. I’ve already contacted the DMV about this, and they said it would take six weeks for them to send me my new license. In the meantime, I’m using an alternate form of transportation.”

19. What qualities should you log for a bug found in a game?

Orkin is a company that works with many different industries, including gaming. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working in other industries and how your skills can be applied to Orkin’s work. Use examples from your previous job or describe what qualities you would look for in a bug found in a game.

Example: “I would log the bug as soon as I noticed it so that the developers could fix it before anyone else encountered it. I would also note where I found the bug so that they could replicate it and find out exactly what caused it. Finally, I would make sure to document all of my findings so that I could provide them to the developer when asked.”

20. What tools would you use to detect memory leaks in managed and unmanaged code?

Orkin technicians need to be able to use a variety of tools and techniques to solve problems. This question helps the interviewer assess your technical skills and knowledge. In your answer, explain which tools you would use for this purpose and why.

Example: “I would first check for memory leaks in managed code by using the .NET garbage collector performance counters. I can also use the Performance Monitor tool to monitor the amount of available bytes in the managed heap. For unmanaged code, I would use the !dumpheap command-line utility to detect memory leaks. I would then use the WinDbg debugger to analyze the dump file.”