A funeral director is in charge of the memorial services.The funeral director works closely with the family and friends of the departed individual to ensure that a memorial service meets their needs and wishes.If you want to become a funeral director, you need to have a natural empathy for those who are grieving and a desire to help them through this difficult and painful process.You will need specific training and certification in the US and elsewhere.If you are dedicated, you can become a funeral director.
Step 1: Informal training is something to look into.
A formal education may not be required in your state.The United States has many funeral directors who were born into the trade.Informal training at a local funeral home may be enough to get you an apprenticeship and a license.Those with formal education will only be trained by most funeral homes.Check with your local funeral homes if time and money are an issue.You should arrange a meeting to discuss your interests in becoming a funeral director.Show your eagerness to learn.A local funeral home can give you training if you seem dedicated.Entry-level jobs are available at a funeral home.It's a great way to try out the profession before you commit to going to school.You can take an online course through the National Association of Funeral Directors in the UK.You cannot receive on-the-job training after taking this course.You need a high school diploma or GED for informal training.
Step 2: An associate's degree is what you should get.
Formal education is required in most cases.A bachelor's degree in mortuary sciences is required to become a funeral director.There are programs for two to four years.A degree is not necessary if you are working in the UK, as there are specific training classes available through the National Association of Funeral Directors.Most schools accredited with the American Board of Funeral Service Education offer associates programs.Four year tracks are offered by a few schools.If you need an associate's degree in your state to get a license, check the requirements.You will study ethics, grieving, and business law during your time in school.You will learn how to prepare a body for burial.
Step 3: Gain relevant work experience.
Work on your resume while you pursue your education and training.The training you make for yourself is important.You can increase your chance of employment by taking on part time jobs.A small amount of office management experience is required in many funeral homes.Administrative work is something to look for.As you complete an apprenticeship or associate's degree, you can work as a secretary or assistant part time.You need to look into jobs where you work with others.Being a funeral director requiresInterpersonal communication skills.Try to work in a place where you can deal with grief.You could work in an emergency room.
Step 4: You should complete an apprenticeship.
You must complete an apprenticeship with a local funeral home to become a licensed funeral director in most states.You will need to find a funeral director that will sponsor you.A sponsor may be provided by your college or training program.You might have to ask at local funeral homes.You will be supervised by a licensed funeral director during your apprenticeship.You will shadow the funeral director and work in a real funeral home.The length is between one and three years.During your apprenticeship, pay attention to your mentor.Be a good student and work hard to get as much information as possible.
Step 5: You can check licensing requirements in your state.
Different states have different licensing requirements.To check requirements in your state, contact ABFSE.You will need to work for a long time as an apprenticeship.You have to take an exam in each state to become a funeral director.Fees vary from state to state.You need an associate's degree in arts and sciences in California.You can't be educated formally.The application has a $100 filing fee.Different states have different ways to sign up for the licensing exam.Fees may be required to take the exam.
Step 6: You have to study for the exam.
Study hard for the funeral director licensing exam.You should be able to find study materials online.To ensure you get a passing grade, make time to study the material.There is a good place to study.There is plenty of room and good lighting in an area that is free of outside distraction.Cell phones should not be brought to your study space.It's important to stick to a study schedule.You can find a time when you can study.For a study session, sit down at that time every day.Take a break.You can't study for hours without burning out.You should be able to relax for 5 minutes every hour.
Step 7: You have to pass the licensing exam.
You have to take the licensing exam at a testing center near you.You take your exam electronically.There will be a brief lesson on how to use the computer before the exam.There will be a fee to take the exam.Fees by state.You have to leave electronics and drinks outside of the testing area.As soon as you pass the exam, you will receive your score.You will have to take the exam again and pay any fees if you don't pass.
Step 8: Write a great resume.
A resume is an important part of a job hunt.If you pass your exam, you should write a resume to send to potential employers.Do you have any relevant experience?Also included are any part time jobs or volunteer work that would help with a career as a funeral director.Language used in the funeral service industry is important.If you worked in an emergency room, talk about how you can help families during times of stress.It's important to keep your entries concise.Your resume should be consistent throughout.The choices you make should have a pattern.
Step 9: Search for a job.
Be patient, there will be a lot of open positions.You will have to send your resume to many places before you hear back.Do not hesitate to apply to places outside of your area if you have to move to find a job.Job placement services are available if you're still in school.Monster, Indeed, and FuneralNet are job boards.
Step 10: Good interview skills can be practiced.
Prepare for the interview once you land it.A good interview can help you get your first job.You should research the funeral home before you go to it.Give a polished, professional interview when you show up dressed professionally.Answer common questions, such as "What problems have you faced throughout your professional career?"Why would you be a good asset to the funeral home?Prepare answers that show your best qualities.Ask a question at the end of the interview about the company culture.You want to show that you're interested in the job.At the end of the interview, be nice.Thank the interviewer for taking the time to see you.
Step 11: There is a career path.
You want to make sure you are the right person for the job.Helping others through difficult times can be rewarding as you work with the deceased and grieving families.At times, the job can be very demanding.If you work in a funeral home for at least 6 months, you can determine if it's a good career path for you.As a funeral director, you will coordinate funerals.You will work with families to make funeral arrangements.Responsibilities include transporting bodies and preparing obituary notices.You will prepare the bodies for burial.You will clean corpses.You will prepare the bodies for viewing if the funeral is open.Being a funeral director requires a lot of emotional and physical energy.Your hours will be long because of the amount of work that goes into preparing a funeral.It can take an emotional toll on grieving families, so you have to work on comforting them.Many people find the work rewarding, as you're able to help people get over the death of a loved one.
Step 12: The right qualities need to be cultivated.
It is necessary to have certain skills to be a funeral director.You need certain life skills before you can become a funeral director.Interpersonal skills are important for a funeral director.Look for opportunities to work with people if you take psychology courses in high school.Involving yourself in volunteer work can help hone your skills.
Step 13: Is it possible to handle the emotional toll?
Being a funeral director can be difficult.Day in and day out, you will have to deal with emotional people.Dealing with death on a daily basis can be depressing.If you feel burnt out, you should turn to your family and friends for emotional support.There is a strong support group.Don't forget to have other people around to talk to.At some point, you may need a therapist to manage the stress of this demanding career.If you're stressed out by nature or uncomfortable with death and dying, this may not be a good career path for you.