Interviewing for a position as a funeral director or embalmer can feel daunting. You’re vying for a role that requires equal parts compassion, professionalism, and technical skills. Doing well on your interview is critical to stand out from other candidates.
To help you get ready, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the key funeral director and embalmer interview questions you’re likely to face. With over 15 years of experience in the funeral industry, I’ll provide tips and example responses to help you craft winning answers.
Let’s dive in to the top questions interviewers ask aspiring funeral directors and embalmers:
Common Funeral Director Interview Questions
Funeral directors are on the frontlines dealing with grieving families Hiring managers will want to assess your empathy and ability to provide sensitive support Here are some typical questions you may encounter
1 Why did you choose to become a funeral director?
This question gets to the heart of your motivations. Share what drew you to this meaningful profession. Highlight your desire to help people through difficult times, your capacity for compassion, and interest in celebrating lives lived.
Example: “I was inspired to become a funeral director after volunteering at a hospice center during college. Witnessing the deep impact of grief made me want to help families through such challenging times. I’m drawn to the funeral profession’s blend of technical expertise, compassion, and service to communities.”
2. How would you handle an angry client?
Grief can trigger intense emotions. Interviewers want to know you can respond with empathy and professionalism. Demonstrate emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
Example: “I would listen carefully to understand their perspective. Then I’d apologize for their experience, and see how I could resolve the issue respectfully. If emotions remain heated, I would politely disengage and follow-up at a later time when tensions have diffused.”
3. What interests you about our funeral home?
Show you’ve done research about their specific services and values. Share what excites you. This displays genuine interest.
Example: “I’m impressed by your funeral home’s community outreach efforts, such as the grief support groups. Fostering healing aligns with my goal to provide compassionate care during difficult times.”
4. How do you prioritize tasks when planning funeral services?
Prove you have strong organizational skills. Share how you juggle various time-sensitive tasks. Give examples of techniques like creating detailed checklists.
Example: “I prioritize tasks based on families’ needs and time sensitivity. Requests like flower arrangements for services tomorrow take precedence. For longer term tasks like pre-need planning, I use tools like calendars to schedule effectively.”
5. Why should we hire you?
Summarize how your skills and experience make you the top choice. Highlight your funeral directing education, communication abilities, and desire to serve families.
Example: “With my mortuary science degree, 10 years’ experience as an apprentice, and deep sense of compassion, I have the expertise and heart to provide exceptional funeral services. Your families will benefit greatly from my balanced funeral directing skills.”
Common Embalmer Interview Questions
As an embalmer, you’ll need to demonstrate technical know-how and ability to perform sensitive tasks with care. Expect questions like:
6. Walk me through your embalming process.
Showcase your technical understanding from start to finish. Cover key steps like preservation, restoration, and sanitization procedures.
Example: “First, I clean and disinfect the embalming room. Next, I position the deceased on the table and close the eyes and mouth. Then I raise the arteries and veins, incise the neck artery, and inject the embalming solution. Once drainage is complete, I suture the incisions, wash and disinfect the body, and proceed with restorative treatments.”
7. How do you stay up-to-date on innovations in embalming?
Show your dedication to continuous learning. Mention activities like taking continuing education courses, reading trade journals, and attending conferences.
Example: “I make learning about new embalming methods a priority. I read the Dodge Magazine for Embalmers monthly to stay current. I also attend our state’s annual Embalming Symposium which covers the latest techniques. These help me provide excellent services using modern best practices.”
8. What precautions do you take when embalming those who had contagious diseases?
Demonstrate understanding of safety protocols and infection control principles. Highlight PPE use, disinfection, and hazardous waste disposal.
Example: “I adhere to strict CDC guidelines to avoid transmission when embalming those with infectious diseases. This includes wearing multiple layers of PPE, disinfecting all instruments and surfaces thoroughly, and safely disposing of hazardous waste.”
9. How do you recommend embalming techniques based on a family’s wishes?
Show how you tailor procedures to individual needs and preferences. Give examples of personalized options you suggest to families.
Example: “I first consult with families to understand their specific concerns and what they’d like their loved one to look like. Based on their goals, I can recommend techniques like restorative treatments for trauma cases or minimal embalming for green burials. My aim is to provide customized embalming services.”
10. How do you handle the emotional weight of your work?
Acknowledge the mental health impact and share healthy coping strategies. Demonstrate self-awareness and commitment to personal well-being.
Example: “The work can be emotionally taxing. I practice self-care by maintaining work-life balance, talking openly with colleagues, and exercising regularly. I also find comfort knowing I’m helping families gain closure.”
Behavioral Funeral Director Interview Questions
Behavioral questions allow you to demonstrate real funeral directing experience. Use the STAR method when structuring your responses.
11. Tell me about a time you successfully handled multiple funeral services in one day. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Highlight funeral logistics management, time efficiency, and problem-solving skills. Showcase how you juggle priorities without compromising service quality.
Example: “When four services were scheduled the same day, careful planning was essential. I created detailed timelines and checked in frequently with families to ensure we were on track. When a hearse was delayed, I quickly arranged a backup so the funeral still started on time, keeping families satisfied.”
12. Describe a time you went above and beyond for a grieving family.
Share an example that truly brought comfort to a family. Demonstrate your commitment to compassionate care.
Example: “A large family was holding services across the country, making travel difficult. I helped livestream their loved one’s funeral so everyone could virtually attend. The family was incredibly grateful for this accommodation.”
13. Tell me about a sensitive situation you navigated professionally.
Difficult scenarios often arise when dealing with loss. Briefly summarize the situation then spotlight maturity, discretion, and empathy shown.
Example: “When a family became divided about funeral arrangements, emotions flared. I listened patiently, found common ground respectfully, and mediated a compromise. My calm, thoughtful approach diffused the tension.”
14. Describe a time you successfully upsold funeral products or services.
Share an example showcasing tact, product knowledge, and ability to read client needs. Demonstrate you can make appropriate recommendations.
Example: “A family was undecided about cremation urn options. I described the personalized engraving service for our wood urns. This helped match their wish to honor the deceased’s love of the outdoors. My customized recommendation led to an upgrade they appreciated.”
General Funeral Interview Questions
Funeral homes also want to assess general professional traits. Be ready for broad interview questions like:
15. What do you think makes a good funeral director?
Share must-have qualities for this role. Emphasize compassion, organization, professionalism, and communication skills.
Example: “Excellent funeral directors balance empathy and attention to detail. They must handle logistics flawlessly while providing sensitive support to grieving families. Communication and listening skills are also vital to guide families through difficult discussions.”
16. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Show you’re interested in growing long-term with the funeral home. You can mention goals like earning additional mortuary science certifications, managing larger complexes, or training apprentices.
Example: “In 5 years, I hope to take on more responsibility in funeral home operations, such as managing multiple locations. I’m very interested in helping expand community outreach programs as well as mentoring aspiring funeral directors.”
17. How do you handle stress?
Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with challenging situations. Share stress relief strategies relevant to funeral work like exercising, talking with colleagues, and practicing mindfulness techniques.
Example: “I cope with stress by focusing on tasks within my control and letting go of what I cannot change. Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and talking through issues with coworkers also helps me manage stress in a
Advice on interviewing at a funeral home
How do you respond to a funeral director interview?
One of your responsibilities as a funeral director is to help families during their grieving process, so it’s important you can show compassion and empathy to help families handle the loss of their loved ones. When responding to this question, show the interviewer that you know how it feels to lose a loved one.
Do funeral directors need to embalm and cremate bodies?
Funeral directors often need to embalm and cremate bodies, so employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience needed for the job. In your answer, share what types of bodies you’ve worked with in the past and how comfortable you are performing these tasks. Example: “I have extensive experience with embalming and cremation.
How do you answer a funeral interview question?
This question can help the interviewer determine how you stay up-to-date on funeral trends and whether you have any experience with new technologies or methods. Use your answer to highlight your ability to adapt to change, learn new things and incorporate them into your work.
What questions do funeral directors ask?
Once they’re done with general questions, interviewers typically shift their focus to asking questions that relate to your educational achievements and experience in funeral services. They may ask you these questions to learn your qualifications and assess how your preceding roles developed your abilities and competencies as a funeral director.
