12 Funeral Attendant Skills: Definition and Examples
By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023
A funeral attendant is a professional who helps with the organization and running of funerals. They are responsible for ensuring that the funeral service runs smoothly and that the deceased is treated with respect. There are a number of skills that funeral attendants need to possess in order to do their job effectively.

Funeral Attendant Skills
- Funeral
- Attendant
- Skills
- Compassionate
- Caring
- Organized
- Detail-oriented
- Able to lift heavy objects
- Able to work long hours
- Able to stand for long periods of time
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Able to work with grieving families
Funeral
A funeral is a ceremony for commemorating, sanctifying, or celebrating the life of a deceased person. The funeral attendant is responsible for making sure that the funeral runs smoothly and according to the wishes of the deceased and their family. This may involve coordinating with the funeral home, clergy, and other participants; setting up and decorating the venue; and providing support to the bereaved.
Attendant
A funeral attendant is a person who helps with the logistics of a funeral service. They may be responsible for setting up the venue, coordinating with the family, and helping to ensure that the service runs smoothly.
Skills
The funeral attendant skill is the ability to provide professional and compassionate care to grieving families. This includes preparing the body for burial or cremation, coordinating with funeral directors, and providing support to the bereaved.
Compassionate
Compassion is the ability to empathize with another person's suffering and feel compassion for them. As a funeral attendant, you will need this skill to be able to understand and relate to the grieving family members and friends.
Caring
Funeral attendants need to be caring in order to provide support and comfort to grieving families. They also need to be able to handle the logistics of funerals, which can be stressful.
Organized
The ability to be organized is important for a funeral attendant because they often have to coordinate many different aspects of the funeral service. This may include setting up the venue, coordinating with vendors, and managing the logistics of the event.
Detail-oriented
Detail-oriented means that you are able to pay attention to small details and remember them. This is important for a funeral attendant because they need to be able to remember all the details about the funeral service in order to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Able to lift heavy objects
The funeral attendant skill is the ability to lift heavy objects. This is necessary in order to be able to move the casket and other heavy objects during the funeral service.
Able to work long hours
The ability to work long hours is important for a funeral attendant because they often have to work during the night and on weekends. They also need to be able to work during holidays when many people are off from work.
Able to stand for long periods of time
The ability to stand for long periods of time is important for funeral attendants because they often have to stand for long periods of time during funerals.
Able to work in a fast-paced environment
This skill is important for funeral attendants because they often have to work in fast-paced environments. This means that they need to be able to be organized and efficient in their work in order to keep up with the demands of the job.
Able to work with grieving families
The ability to work with grieving families is an important skill for funeral attendants. This is because they will be responsible for helping the family members to cope with their loss and to make arrangements for the funeral.
How to improve funeral attendant skills
The funeral industry is one that is constantly evolving. With new technology and changes in the way people view death, funeral attendants must be able to adapt and change with the times. Here are some ways to improve your funeral attendant skills:
1. Keep up with industry news and trends. This can be done by reading industry publications, attending conferences and seminars, or even following funeral-related blogs and social media accounts. By staying up-to-date, you’ll be able to better serve your clients and their families.
2. Be a good listener. One of the most important skills a funeral attendant can have is the ability to listen. This means really listening – not just hearing – what your clients and their families are saying. By taking the time to truly listen, you can provide the best possible service and support.
3. Be compassionate. Funeral attendants need to be compassionate in order to do their job well. This means being able to empathize with grieving families and understand what they are going through. It also means being patient and understanding, even when things get tough.
4. Be organized. Funeral attendants must be organized in order to keep track of all the details that go into planning a funeral. This includes everything from coordinating with vendors to keeping track of paperwork. Staying organized will help you provide a better service to your clients.
5. Be flexible. Things change, and funeral attendants need to be able to adapt accordingly. This could mean anything from last-minute changes in the funeral plans to dealing with a family who is having a difficult time making decisions. Being flexible will help you better serve your clients during times of change and stress.
How to highlight funeral attendant skills
When you are seeking a position as a funeral attendant, it is important to highlight your skills in a way that will appeal to potential employers. You should emphasize your ability to provide support and assistance to grieving families, as well as your ability to handle the logistical aspects of funerals. It is also important to highlight any experience you have in dealing with the public and handling customer service inquiries.
On a resume
As a funeral attendant, you will be responsible for providing support to grieving families. In this role, you will need to be able to remain calm and professional at all times. You should highlight your skills in customer service, as well as your ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Additionally, your experience working with the public will be helpful in this role.
In a cover letter
In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a Funeral Attendant. Describe your experience in handling funeral arrangements and assisting grieving families. Mention your ability to remain calm and professional in difficult situations. Emphasize your compassionate nature and your commitment to providing excellent customer service.
During an interview
In order to highlight your skills as a funeral attendant during an interview, you should be sure to emphasize your ability to provide support and comfort to grieving families. You should also highlight your ability to handle all of the logistics involved in funeral arrangements, including coordinating with vendors and managing paperwork. Finally, be sure to emphasize your professionalism and compassionate nature, as these are essential qualities for any successful funeral attendant.