Qualifications And Attributes Required To Become A Successful Undertaker

By Helena Wong

Arrangements and organising activities linked to funerals are usually left in charge of undertakers, who are also called funeral directors. To be successful in this profession the person performing these tasks must possess certain essential and unique skills and qualities.

Since an undertaker's services may be needed at any time of day or night, the person venturing into this profession should be ready to be on call at all hours. He should be ready to work away from his workplace as the task requires him to be available at the place where he is needed.

To be an undertaker, a person should be able to communicate well and should accommodate the opinions of others. People from different cultures, sects and traditions as well as those of any age will have to be handled with aplomb by him. Understanding and compassion will be of great importance in the course of his job. However, he must be mentally strong and not become shaken by other people's sorrow, so that he can provide emotional support to others.

Undertakers should be serious and dignified by nature, but must not look gloomy or morose, as this may heighten the grief of the family members of the deceased person.

Undertakers should have vast knowledge and profound respect for the religious beliefs and sentiments of various cultures and ethnic groups. They should be aware of various customs and rituals followed by different sects during the funeral ceremony.

A good undertaker will essentially possess good organizational skills and managerial abilities. Many services will need to be organized by the undertaker and this will need good communication and managerial skills from the undertaker.

Legalities and other formalities to be followed in the event of a death must be familiar to the undertaker who will have to get the requisite approvals etc for the funeral proceedings and other related matters. He will need to be fully conscious of procedures to be followed for the purpose of obtaining death certificates or claims for insurance.

Finally, he must necessarily be able to and be qualified to drive vehicles like hearses and limousines during the funeral service.

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