Consider Hiring An Apprentice  

As an experienced funeral director, you should always welcome and take time with questions from those interested in the career of funeral service. It is sometimes hard for them to get the answers they seek. If hiring an apprentice, be sure to: 

INTERVIEW THE JOB CANDIDATE 

• Give a thorough, face-to-face interview.
• Explain your funeral firm’s philosophy.
• Be clear about dress code, compensation, and work hours.
• Tell them your case volume and how it is handled.
• Let them see how things are run on a day-to-day basis.
• Carefully define job responsibilities. Really be honest about all levels of work expected.
• Give them a “sense of purpose.” 
• Be sure they clearly understand that they must do the lower jobs but also get the opportunity to have “face-to-face” contact with families.
• Consider scheduling so many hours on, so many hours off, to prevent burnout. 
• Make it advantageous to work at your firm by making employees feel like family.

REMEMBER 

Apprentices are eager to be a part of the funeral profession and are willing to be molded by you. This is a unique opportunity to mentor and help develop a person who will be representing our industry. Make it a positive experience. Let them know your expectations. Always bear in mind that they are still learning. Mortuary college is only the beginning of their education. The apprenticeship should not be regarded as cheap labor, but rather a formal education process. The time you spend nurturing and guiding your apprentice will reward you and the industry many times over.