Rushan Funeral Services Center is taking “workplace culture” to a whole new level. They’re not just asking about your strengths and weaknesses – they’re asking if you can handle a 10-minute date with… well, you know. The recruitment process features multiple stages, including a unique “morgue room test,” structured interviews, background checks, medical examinations, and a six-month probationary period.
Yes, this funeral home has introduced a unique hiring process: the “morgue room test.” Applicants are challenged to spend a solid 10 minutes in the company of the dearly departed. The rationale is that some individuals may harbor deep-seated fears or taboos about such environments, which are integral to the nature of the work. Apparently, this is to weed out the faint of heart and ensure only the most… spirited individuals join the team.
For successful candidates, the position offers a monthly salary of 2,200 yuan after deductions for taxes and social insurance, with additional compensation for night shifts. However, the role is contractual and does not include ‘bian zhi’, a coveted employment status in China that ensures job stability and lifelong benefits.
While the funeral home claims it’s just a “test method,” critics are howling with laughter (and maybe a little concern). “Professional psychological tests? Nah, let’s just throw ’em in the morgue!” they seem to be saying.
Despite its unusual requirements, the number of applicants for the role remains undisclosed.
A funeral home management expert surnamed Wang, who has years of experience in southwestern China, expressed ethical concerns about the morgue test. Speaking to Jimu News, Wang suggested the test might be intended to evaluate psychological resilience but described it as inappropriate. Instead, Wang advocated for professional psychological assessments or internships, particularly for specialized roles like body management and crematory work, which generally offer higher salaries than standard positions in the industry.
Growth in China’s Funeral Services Market
The funeral services market in China has seen significant growth, expanding from 169.5 billion yuan (approximately US$22 billion) in 2015 to 310.2 billion yuan in 2022, according to Zhiyan Consulting. As of last year, there were 4,605 funeral service institutions across the country, with cemetery service companies making up the largest share at 57.84%.
Mixed Reactions to the Job Posting
The unconventional hiring requirement has sparked humor and debate online. One netizen quipped, “This is much better than interviewing 10 living people. At least they didn’t ask me to stay in a crematorium for 10 minutes!” Another joked, “The dead aren’t scary. It’s working life that weighs heavier than any ghost!”
However, many have criticized the low salary. “I could stay in there for 10 hours,” one netizen joked, “just give me a book and a bottle of water. But the pay? That’s enough to make a ghost cry.” Another added, “It’s not the fear that holds people back; it’s the salary.”
So, if you’re looking for a job where the “team building” involves a healthy dose of the supernatural, and the salary is enough to make you want to disappear, Rushan Funeral Services Center might just be the place for you. Just be prepared to face your fears (and maybe a few spectral side-eyes).
