Essential Skills And Qualities Required For Undertakers

By Marjorie Wong

Arrangements and organising activities linked to funerals are usually left in charge of undertakers, who are also called funeral directors. Some of the necessary skills and abilities that are needed by people who are in this job are mentioned below.

Since an undertaker may be required at any time of day or night, the person venturing into this profession must be willing to be on call for 24 hours. He must be ready to work away from his office as the job requires him to be available at the place where his services are needed.

An undertaker must be an excellent communicator and a good listener. People from different cultures, religions and ethnicities as well as those of different ages will have to be handled with aplomb by him. Understanding and compassion will be of great importance as he performs his job. But he will need to offer support to the bereaved family and should remain strong and emotionally detached to be able to do so.

Although the task is by nature serious and distressful, the undertakers should impart an aura of serenity to the funeral service instead of more sorrow or sadness through their demeanour.

Knowledge of various religious beliefs, practices and sentiments, and due respect for these greatly helps undertakers find success in their profession. As various people follow various funeral rites and methods, it is advantageous to have understanding of these.

An undertaker must have good managerial and organizational skills. He must also possess leadership skills and should be able to interact with a large number of people - from the church priests to the local florist.

An undertaker should be proficient in legal matters and should know the legal formalities to be followed, or the necessary approvals needed from the State authorities before conducting funeral services. He should also be conscious of the administrative procedures to be followed for obtaining death certificates, insurance claims etc.

Lastly, an undertaker must make sure that his driver's licence is updated and that he can drive the hearse or funeral limousines during the service.

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