An Interview with Lawren White, Restaurant Manager

Summary: Lawren White was the Restaurant Manager at a Hilton property before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and she lost her job. She’s been actively searching for another position in an industry that has been hit hard by the stay-at-home rules imposed to contain the spread of this virus and having little success so far. 

She is determined to continue her hospitality career and has declared she will not give up. Even though she’s had very few responses to date, she wanted to share some support with her friends and colleagues in the business by posting to LinkedIn… and her post has gone viral.   At the time of this writing, the post has been viewed nearly 300,000 times and liked over 6200 times. Clearly, it’s resonating with plenty of others who find themselves in the same position.

She speaks highly of her time with Hilton and isn’t deterred by the downturn. Her long term goals include owning and running her own restaurant or becoming General Manager of a hotel, so she’s keeping her eyes on the prize and forging ahead with positivity.

Background: Lawren started college as a Political Science major with plans for law school.  While in school, she became involved in organizing some social events at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at her school and found she loved it. She decided to get serious about the hospitality industry and changed her major. She’s really loves that the industry has such breadth, covering so many sectors with plenty of opportunity for growth and advancement.

What are your thoughts about the future of the hospitality industry and your place in it? 

I think it may take a while for things to return to normal… and it may be a “new normal.” Restaurants are exploring new ways to serve a buffet, re-arranging seating in their spaces and upgrading their sanitation and cleanliness routines. This has been a time to re-evaluate the way things have been done and advance some of the processes to a higher level.

What made you decide to write about your experience on social media?

I’ve been looking for work since March (2020). There isn’t much available with the current shelter in place orders keeping people at home and although it’s been frustrating, I wanted to support my friends in the business – I’m a “glass half full” kind of person. I had no idea my post would “blow up” like this. I only expected my circle of colleagues to read it, but so many people read it and shared it. I guess it really touched a nerve.

Talk about your positive responses.

I had a few very positive interactions. One guy was so responsive and really tried to help out with ideas. A woman at Hilton, who is a permanently remote employee, helped me refine my resume and cover letter. Wow! These are people I don’t even know who were willing to reach out and help. Others have posted comments thanking me for putting into words what they were already feeling.

Please explain how this post may have become a networking opportunity for you.

My network has expanded a lot since the post. A week ago, I had 1800 new connections and 3772 views of my profile. I’ve had a few interviews for various positions, but no offers yet.

Has this post created a “personal brand” for you?

In particular, I think I’ve become more aware of how many people are watching and how important it is to create an image of professionalism. I am careful about what I write, make sure there are no typos and might even want to eventually do a blog as something like a “hospitality ambassador” on the side. I just want to keep learning and share my successes.

What will you take away from your time at Hilton?

I’ll keep my “can do, will do” attitude and work ethic. There’s nothing I won’t do to help out and I’ll do what it takes to make it right when there’s a problem. I love being part of a “family” or a team and in my mind, that’s success. I built my success on relationships with all the departments and it’s always about the guest…putting them first and giving them the right experience. That’s my philosophy.

What advice would you give other laid-off or furloughed industry staff?

You have to keep following up and reaching out. You can’t just send out applications and sit back and wait. Employers can afford to be picky right now…there are a lot of people looking for work. Set yourself apart and commit to the time it takes to do your research. It can be uncomfortable, but that’s where change happens.

Anything you’d like to add?

Hospitality is so rewarding. You can touch all aspects of the industry: HR, Customer Service, Sales, Finance, Lodging, F & B and all those skills are transferable. We are adaptable and flexible and that’s what makes us great employees.