Mortuary Assistant

Prior to an examination of a body, you must lay out all surgical instruments and lab supplies, and ensure that they are in good working order. This includes sharpening knives and scalpels when necessary. You may use a portable hoist to place the body on the examining table or in a refrigeration unit. During the exam, you assist the pathologist and record any identifying information for the patient's morgue file. Afterward, you must thoroughly clean all instruments and trays, replace dirty linens, and wash the table. You are also responsible for releasing the body to an authorized party according to facility procedures.

Find out what the salary is for the job is that is possible ahead of time. If there is no salary posted then do some research. Find out what the market is paying and what you are worth. Make a reasonable salary offer based on this information. Do your best to avoid making a salary offer if you can. You can ask the employer if they have a salary range they plan to pay the person in this position.

Being unfamiliar with the organisation will spoil your chances with 75% of interviewers, according to one survey, so take this chance to show you have done your preparation and know the company inside and out. You will now have the chance to demonstrate that you've done your research, so reply mentioning all the positive things you have found out about the organisation and its sector etc. This means you'll have an enjoyable work environment and stability of employment etc - everything that brings out the best in you.

Yes, very much so. I feel I would be able to help them take some of the heaviness off their heart and soul and carry them forward with their memories.

The median hourly wage in May of 2012 for all medical assistants -- including morgue attendants -- was $14.12, while the median annual wage was $29,370, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, pay is greater for morgue attendants than others with no college education. Wages can reach $33,000 per year for those with only a high school degree, while those with an associate degree earn more. Jobs as medical assistants are expected to increase 31 percent between 2010 an 2020. In addition, many of the skills acquired are transferable to other medical fields.

Because of empathizing, it may be difficult to hold back tears.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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!

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.

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.

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.