Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Essential Skills And Qualities Required For Undertakers

By Marjorie Wong

Arrangements and organising services related to funerals are usually taken care of by undertakers, who are also known as funeral directors. Given below are a few of the essential skills and personal qualities that undertakers must possess to rise in their profession.

Since an undertaker may be needed at any time of day or night, the person entering this profession should be ready to be on call at all hours. He must be prepared to spend most of his time outdoors because of the unique nature of the task.

To become an undertaker, a person must be able to interact well and should accommodate the opinions of others. People from different cultures, sects and ethnicities as well as those of any age will have to be managed by him with equal ease. An understanding and compassionate attitude will be a great help in this profession. However, he should be mentally strong and not get carried away by other people's grief, so that he can provide psychological support to others.

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

Undertakers must have extensive knowledge and deep respect for the religious beliefs and sentiments of various cultures and ethnic groups. They should be conscious of different customs and rituals followed by different groups during the funeral service.

Excellent management and the power to organize affairs are essential skills for an undertaker. He must also have leadership abilities and must be able to interact with a large number of people - from the church priests to the local florist.

As the undertaker will be in charge of getting all clearances and following all regulations with respect to the event, he will need to be well versed in such procedures and legal matters. The critical rules and formalities to be followed to obtain a death certificate or to make insurance claims must also be known to him.

Finally, an undertaker must know driving and must possess a valid driving license, as he may be required to drive hearses and limousines. - 42631

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