By Helena Wong

Undertakers' or funeral directors' task is to make arrangements for funeral services and other associated needs and responsibilities. Mentioned below are a few of the essential skills and personal qualities that undertakers should possess to succeed in their profession.

Since an undertaker's services may be needed at any time of day or night, the person venturing into this profession should be willing to be on call for 24 hours. This is primarily an outdoors task, which will require him to be away from office for long hours.

The undertaker must be able to respect the feelings of customers, listen and comprehend their requirements and interact lucidly. People from various cultures, religions and traditions as well as those of different ages will have to be handled with aplomb by him. A sensitive and compassionate attitude will be of excellent help in this job. However, he should be emotionally strong and not become shaken by other people's sorrow, so that he can provide psychological support to them.

Although the job is by nature sombre and serious, the undertakers should impart an aura of serenity to the funeral service instead of more grief or unhappiness through their attitude.

Undertakers should have extensive knowledge and profound respect for the religious beliefs and sentiments of different cultures and ethnic groups. They should be conscious of different customs and practices followed by different sects during the funeral ceremony.

An undertaker must have good organisational and management skills. He should also have leadership abilities and should be able to coordinate with a large number of people - from the church priests to the local florist.

An undertaker should be smart in legal matters and should know the official procedures to be followed, or the necessary approvals needed from the government authorities before organizing funeral ceremonies. He should also be conscious of the official procedures to be adhered to for obtaining insurance claims, death certificates etc.

Finally, an undertaker must know driving and must possess an appropriate driving license, as he may be required to drive vehicles to transport the deceased.

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