Funeral Arranger (part-time)

The_Pink_Scarf

Has anybody worked for the Co-operative as a Funeral Arranger can I ask, I am just wondering how the hours would pan out each week? the advert suggests around 18 each week are available if part time and whilst I've just filled in the initial application online, where it did allow for me to enter what I could do which I was pleasantly surprised at and leaves me, right or wrongly, a little hopeful that I could perhaps fit it around the first job I have.
I would be extremely appreciative for anyone's insight, particularly in the working pattern.


Please also forgive me if this is in the wrong place.

~Beanie~

I would imagine it would depend on which branch of the Co-operative Funeralcare you are applying to and what hours they need someone for.

I've just googled and there is a vacancy for such a role at 18.75hrs which is basically 0.5 of full time. Unless you ask (at interview or before) then no-once can safely say whether this would be 5 half days per week or 2 1/2 full days per week or even some other conbination.

DomRavioli

The hours will vary as said above, and it will depend on the needs of the branch. Nobody but they can tell you what the hours are.

DigForVictory

Plus your clients are not going to be Mon-Fri 9-5. The phone needs to be answered by Someone at all times. Certainly, meeting the bereaved to go through the options likely will include weekends & evenings as even the bereaved have to work.
Plus flogging overpriced bouquets to folks at their weakest point? Along with fingerprint souvenirs, locks of hair & so forth? It's a needful job, but it may not be a "comfortable fit" for you emotionally, let alone time-wise.
Best of luck with finding a second job that cooperates & suits you!

The_Pink_Scarf

DigForVictory wrote: »

Plus your clients are not going to be Mon-Fri 9-5. The phone needs to be answered by Someone at all times. Certainly, meeting the bereaved to go through the options likely will include weekends & evenings as even the bereaved have to work.

Hence the asking as neither is my first job "9-5" fortunately! I don't understand a job advert with no set pattern to be worked and then asking during an application when I could work, to clarify.

Really was just trying to get an idea - kind of regretting not making it to an open event earlier this year for this purpose so always been curious, when I finish I'll take a look at the branch opening and closing times sign, as I'm forever passing it on route so probably should have known better.

I've worked before arranging wakes with sensitivity so I didn't view this position with quite the same hatred, although wouldn't be joking if I admit wondering if this position could even be zero hours, forgive me again, but you are all right something I will ask directly of the interviewer if called and try to update this for anyone else looking in the future.

Thanks for responding.

poorlittlefish

A friend of mine works part-time for them as a funeral arranger but in reality she often works full-time hours (and is paid as such). She loves her job!

The_Pink_Scarf

^^Just what I could do with hearing, ah righty, thanks for sharing fabulous insight
Thank you again for coming to the rescue and pleased to hear your friend enjoys it x

[Deleted User]

Eurgh... Don't know why anyone would use Co-op Funerals, they are overpriced rip off that try and flog you all the extras. Bit like using the national double glazing companies. Best to just use a local indie funeral directors that will do what you ask with no up selling.

nellytheelephant

My mum is a funeral arranger and works 18.75 hours - Wednesday - Friday each week.

Ignore comments about the Co-op, there are several different 'companies'; people will be judgemental and just believe what they hear. It's exactly where my mother worked and her Co-op was nothing like we've been led to believe.

The_Pink_Scarf

Hi, update time

I completely got the job wrong, it would seem it was more working on the funeral cars and receiving of body, nothing to do with selling or the administration, I've no idea where phone calls came into it, one of those next stage online assessment as part of the application process found I was unsuitable to proceed, never found out anymore about the hours, sorry, definately takes a special person, thanks for replies x

Sandy75

I was a Funeral Director for several years. Really enjoyed the job - OK so driving a rubbish private ambulance in the snow at night in rural Scotland wasn't fun but we had a great team and did an excellent job for our clients. Would do it again.