Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Qualifications And Attributes Needed To Become An Undertaker

By Madeleine Wong

Arranging and organising activities related to funerals are generally taken care of by undertakers, who are also known as funeral directors. Some of the critical skills and traits that are required by people who are in this job are listed below.

Since an undertaker may be required at any time of the day, the person venturing into this profession should be ready to be on call at all hours. He must be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors because of the nature of the task.

To be an undertaker, a person must be able to communicate well and be open to the opinions of others. People from different cultures, religions and traditions as well as those of any age will have to be handled with aplomb by him. A sensitive and compassionate attitude will be a great help in this job. But he will need to offer support to the bereaved family and must stay strong and emotionally detached to be able to do so.

As an undertaker, an individual should project a dignified and serene personality, while taking care that his behaviour doesn't intensify the sorrow of the grieving family members and relatives.

Knowledge of different religious beliefs, practices and sentiments, and due respect for these greatly helps undertakers find success in their profession. They must be conscious of various customs and rituals followed by different sects during the funeral service.

A successful undertaker will essentially possess good management abilities and organisation skills. He must also possess leadership abilities and should be able to coordinate with a wide range of people - from the clergy members to the local florist.

An undertaker should be smart in legal matters and should know the legal formalities to be followed, or the formal approvals required from the State authorities before conducting funeral ceremonies. The critical rules and formalities to be completed to obtain a death certificate or to file valid insurance claims must also be known to him.

Finally, he should essentially be able to and be qualified to drive vehicles such as limousines and hearses during the funeral ceremony.

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