Subway is a multi-national company that puts a twist on fast-food restuarants’ meals by providing healthier sandwich alternatives. It also happens to be a pretty fun place to work, which is why it attracts a great deal of talent, such as yourself.
Through this article, I intend to provide you with a clear, step-by-step overview of what to expect in a Subway job interview and how to prepare effectively. Whether you’re pursuing a position as a sandwich artist, shift manager, or team leader, these tips will help you shine in your interview.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this in-depth guide and take one step closer to your dream job at Subway. Stay with me, and together, we’ll ensure you’re ready to ace your interview. It’s time to swap those nerves for knowledge and confidence!
What to Know About Preparing for a Job Interview at Subway
Embarking on the Subway interview process might seem overwhelming at first, but I assure you, with the right preparation, it can be an enriching experience.
There are several different things you can do to help you feel well-prepared for your Subway interview, including getting to know the business and going over the job description. Here are several other ways to prep for your upcoming interview and calm your nerves.
Getting to Know the Company
I recommend researching the company’s history, values, and culture. For instance, Subway has always emphasized serving quality, healthy, and delicious food, which shows their dedication to promoting better food choices. Moreover, by understanding Subway’s mission to make their customers’ day better, you can align your responses during the interview to demonstrate how you fit into that culture.
Understand the Job Description
Are you applying for a Sandwich Artist, Manager, or a Customer Service role? Each role has distinct responsibilities; take time to understand what the role entails and the skills required.
For example, if you apply as a Sandwich Artist, focus on your ability to work quickly, attention to detail, and, of course, your knack for customer service.
Think About Your Strengths, Experiences, and Skills
For example, if you’re great at multitasking, you might describe a time when you had to juggle multiple responsibilities and how you managed them successfully. Identifying these personal attributes beforehand gives you an edge during your interview.
Take Note of Simple Logistics
Practice the commute to the interview location to ensure you arrive on time, or if the interview is online, check your tech setup. These kinds of logistics can help your interview go much more smoothly.
How to Dress for a Subway Job Interview
One big part of preparing for a job interview at Subway, besides the above tips, is figuring out what you’ll wear. While Subway is a fast-food chain restaurant, it’s important to remember that interviewing for any job calls for a professional appearance. This helps you make a positive impression even before you start answering questions!
Now, that doesn’t mean you need to turn up to the interview dressed for a black-tie occasion. The key term you’ll want to remember when planning your outfit is ‘business casual.’ Avoid overly informal clothing such as jeans or slogan T-shirts. Instead, opt for khaki pants or black slacks combined with a blouse or collared shirt. You want to strike a balance between professional and practical. Ladies, a knee-length skirt or dress could work too, with a nice blouse or sweater.
A few other tips include:
- Avoid excessive jewelry
- Skp the heavy makeup
- Make sure your clothes are well-ironed
- Dont go for overly heavy perfumes or colognes
Remember, first impressions matter. The way you dress for your Subway job interview can set the tone for the meeting, showing that you’re taking this opportunity seriously and have a professional mindset. It’s the first step to success in your interview.
The Interview Process at Subway
Another major part of landing a job at Subway is to be aware of what the interview process is like. This will help prevent you from being blindsided as you get ready to land this new job.
The key to getting through the Subway interview process is to present yourself as dependable, customer-focused, and able to work in a fast-paced environment. A positive attitude, punctuality for the interview, and being well-prepared with information about the company and role made a significant difference in my experiences.
I’ve outlined below the basic steps involved with the interview and hiring process at Subway.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Applying for a job at Subway typically begins with filling out an online application or hand-delivering a printed application to the specific location you’re interested in. At this point, the hiring manager will take a look at your application. If your skills and experience match what they’re looking for, they’ll reach out to invite you for an interview. This might be over the phone but is often in person.
Step 2: Attend Your In-Person Interview
Subway’s interviews are rather relaxed and conversational. Here’s where your background research really comes in handy. Having an understanding of Subway’s mission and values, as well as knowledge about its history and menu, can help you to engage in more meaningful conversation during the interview. It shows your interest and respect toward the company.
The interviewer usually begins with common interview questions to get to know you better. Make it a point to bring the discussion back to how your skills and experiences can benefit Subway, particularly in dealing with customers and working efficiently in a fast-paced food service environment.
Secondary Interview
This usually happens if there’s a higher-level manager or owner who wants to meet you. This is generally a shorter meeting, often focusing on confirming details about work availability and other specifics.
Common Questions Asked at a Subway Job Interview
One of the most important things is to anticipate the type of interview questions you might get asked. When you’re interviewing for a role at Subway, you’re likely to come across specific questions that are designed to gauge your personality, your work ethic, and your customer service skills.
To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here are a few common questions to expect when trying to get a job at Subway.
“Tell me about yourself.”
This a broad question and can be a bit overwhelming. But remember, they’re not seeking your life story. Rather, they want to listen to aspects of your background that relate to the position at hand.
You can talk about your past work experiences—especially if you’ve worked in the food industry or customer service sector before. Discuss your key skills and how you’ve used them in real-life situations.
Example answer: “My background includes studying hospitality management as an undergraduate degree. During my studies, I worked part-time at Starbucks, which has given me lightning-fast cash register skills that help me take care of customers in record time.
“Why Subway?”
This question probes your motivation for wanting to work at Subway specifically. You could mention things like admired values of the company, the spirit of customer service, or even their healthier food options.
Example answer: “I’m a big fan of Subway’s focus on freshness and customization. The brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction via personalized, healthier choices is something I strongly identify with. As someone interested in good nutrition, I’d love to be part of a team that helps customers make healthier eating choices.”
“What days and hours are you available to work?”
Being open about your availability is crucial in the fast food industry, where late nights and weekends are often the busiest. If possible, show them you’re flexible.
Example answer: “I’m available to work on all weekdays after my college classes, which end by 2 PM, and I am completely open on the weekends.”
“How do you handle stressful situations?”
Here, it’s vital to illustrate resilience and your ability to remain calm under pressure. For instance: “Stressful situations motivate me to better my performance. I prioritize my tasks and stay focused, which helps me navigate through stress.”
Example answer: “Absolutely. In my previous job, I was often handling multiple tasks simultaneously. I enjoy the buzz of a busy environment—it keeps me energized and focused.”
Unique Questions Asked at a Subway Job Interview
When you head into a Suvway interview, not all the questions you get asked will fall under the ‘common’ category. Sometimes, you might need to answer more unique and slightly unexpected questions as well.
These types of questions not only help the interviewer gauge your potential to handle peculiar situations but can also give them a sense of your problem-solving abilities and creativity. Here are a few examples to help you prepare.
“How would you create your perfect Subway sandwich?”
This question might come off as a bit surprising during a job interview, but there’s a method to the madness. They’re not just asking about your personal taste preferences; they’re trying to get an insight into your creativity, salesmanship, and how well you know their product. A well-thought-out, imaginative answer might be the key factor that sets you apart from other candidates.
“How would you handle a line out the door during the lunch rush?”
Subway values efficiency and customer service, especially during peak hours. This question gives you an opportunity to demonstrate how you would manage stress, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently to serve customers.
“How would you handle a customer who is not satisfied with their sandwich?”
Here, the hiring manager is trying to gauge how you would deal with unhappy customers and whether you have the necessary people skills to turn the situation around while keeping Subway’s reputation intact.
Tips to Make a Good Impression at a Subway Interview
Being prepared for certain interview questions isn’t the only thing that matters when preparing for this step in the hiring process.
Remember, the aim of the interview is not just to showcase your skills and experience but also to demonstrate that you are the right fit for Subway’s company culture. Giving the interviewer a glimpse of your personality goes a long way towards achieving this.
There are a few other tips you can implement as well, including:
- Showing enthusiasm
- Emphasizing customer service
- Showing you’re suited to a fast-paced work environment
- Asking thoughtful questions
- Following up
Here’s a closer look at these tips and how to implement them.
Be Enthusiastic
Show excitement about the opportunity when you speak. Your enthusiasm will show the interviewer that you genuinely want the job. For instance, you might share your positive experiences as a Subway customer and how you want to be part of creating that experience for others.
Emphasize Customer Service Skills
Subway is a company that prides itself on top-notch customer service. Highlight any past experience where you’ve had to interact with customers or explain how you would handle a difficult customer interaction. Remember, clear communication and patience are key in these scenarios.
Show You Can Handle a Fast-Paced Work Environment
Working at Subway demands you to be quick on your feet. You might encounter a sudden rush of customers or be tasked with several duties at once. Discuss how you’ve successfully handled high-pressure situations in the past or how you maintain a cool head when dealing with multiple tasks.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
An insightful question can impress an interviewer and show that you’ve done your homework. It could be as simple as asking about a typical day in the Subway store, how they handle staff training or what they think sets Subway apart from its competitors.
Follow Up After the Interview
A simple thank you goes a long way to show that you’re interested, polite, and professional. Email a short note the day after the interview, expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the job.
Wrapping Up Your Job Interview at Subway
The key ingredients to succeed, in a Subway interview, are preparation, professionalism, and positivity.
Preparation includes everything from researching the company to understanding your role and rehearsing potential interview questions. It also includes being punctual, dressing appropriately, and behaving courteously throughout the process.
With all that said, navigating a job interview at Subway can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Let our expert career coaches help you prepare for your Subway interview, giving you the confidence and know-how to shine.
With personalized coaching, we’ll help you reveal your strengths, answer those tricky questions expertly, and present yourself as the ideal candidate. Don’t journey alone, our career coaches are here to make your dream job a reality!
