1. Why did you choose to become a Mortuary Assistant?

I feel I have been chosen to do this work. To give back, to help others and to share and be supportive to others during their struggles with loss and honouring the life of their loved ones.

2. Tell me most hideous career moment to date?

I've probably had several of those too but certainly cutting myself during a High Risk post-mortem was the worst as it involves a lot of medical treatment.

3. Tell me what are your weaknesses for Mortuary assistant position?

Try not to be too critical when answering this question. Instead, pick one of your weaknesses and try to turn it into a positive.

For example, you could be a perfectionist, which means that you sometimes take longer on tasks, but you make sure that they are completed to a high quality. It is important to make a negative into a positive as it doesn't make you appear overly critical and shows you can reflect on your own performance.

4. Explain most glorious career moment to date?

I'm lucky enough to have had several! Being a part of a BBC documentary series called The Death Detectives was a lot of fun but working in the temporary mortuary set up for the 7th July London Bombings was also very rewarding.

5. Explain some danger factors?

There are very many inherent risks associated with this job. Not only sharps injuries from scalpels and syringes, but blood-borne and air-borne infections, chemical burns and manual handling injuries. Health and Safety is paramount, as are Manual Handling Training, COSHH knowledge, up to date SOP's, First Aid and many, many bits of paper and courses full of acronyms!

6. Tell me what can you offer me that another person can't?

This is when you talk about your record of getting things done. Go into specifics from your résumé and portfolio; show an employer your value and how you'd be an asset.

I'm the best person for the job. I know there are other candidates who could fill this position, but my passion for excellence sets me apart from the pack. I am committed to always producing the best results. For example…

7. Do you know secondary Tasks for Mortuary Assistant?

A pathologist may ask you to perform additional tasks, depending on your skill level and their needs at the time. These tasks include preserving and photographing specimens; staining slides; and mixing preservation fluids according to specific formulas. You may also be asked to fill a body's cranium with plaster and sew up incisions using a surgical needle and thread.

8. Tell us any other funerals that stand out in your memory?

One time we had a person who did some acting and modeling in California. A hand model. The family came in early to set up pictures and things.

I showed them in, helped them get started then left them. I came back about 10 minutes later to check on them and just about every picture they put up was this person's hands from the various ads they did. There were some family photos, but most were a pair of hands.

9. What knowledge and Education required for Mortuary Assistant?

No specific educational requirements exist for morgue attendants. However, most employers require you to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Demonstrating an aptitude for math, biology, computers and communication is particularly helpful. Prior experience working in a morgue or coroner's office is even better. You may also choose to pursue an associate degree in clinical lab or health science to advance more quickly and take on more complex tasks.