If you’ve ever been enticed by the smell of freshly baked bread coming from a nearby Subway, you’ve likely noticed the team of professionals behind the counter. These are people mastering the art of sandwich making, efficiently handling transactions, and providing world-class customer service.
Now imagine what if you could be one of them? Subway is not just a place to grab your lunch. It’s also a hub of job opportunities for anyone seeking to step into an exciting, fast-paced work environment, and who knows? It could also mark the beginning of your career journey in the customer service industry.
Whether you’re looking to start your very first job, seeking part-time opportunities, or aspiring for a management role, Subway offers positions to accommodate a wide array of interests and career goals.
In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to land a job at Subway: from the skills required, to positions offered, all the way through to the hiring process at Subway. Let’s jump in and take a look at everything Subway has to offer!
Requirements to Work at Subway
Landing a job at Subway can be a great stepping stone toward building a robust career or a source of supplemental income. However, before you decide to submit your application, there are a few key requirements you need to meet.
Age Requirement
The minimum required age in most states to be employed at Subway is 16 years old. The requirement may vary depending on local labor laws, but 16 is the general baseline. So, if you’re a high school student looking for a part-time job, Subway could be an ideal place to start.
Work Permits
You need to have the legal right to work in your specific location. This means you need to be a citizen, have a valid work visa, or meet the required working criteria defined by your authorities. Subway, like all responsible employers, adheres firmly to employment laws and regulations.
Education
Subway is quite flexible. Most entry-level positions do not require extensive academic credentials; a high school diploma or its equivalent may be preferred but is not necessarily a strict prerequisite.
However, for managerial or corporate roles, having a higher degree, such as in business administration, can be beneficial.
Physical Capabilities
These matter in Subway’s fast-paced, customer-oriented environment. Employees are often on their feet throughout their shifts while carrying out tasks such as assembling sandwiches, operating cash registers, and serving customers. Therefore, a job at Subway demands physical stamina and good hand-eye coordination.
Skills Needed to Work at Subway
Embarking on a journey with Subway requires, like any other job, a set of unique skills and abilities. Based on the position you are applying for, these can range from basic to more advanced.
Now don’t worry if these skills don’t come naturally to you; remember, skills are learned and improved over time. As long as you have the willingness to learn and grow, you’re already on the path to success at Subway.
However, here are some key skills that would benefit any Subway team member, from an entry-level role to a management position.
Customer Service Skills
Subway, like any other quick-service restaurant, is customer-centric. They wouldn’t exist without their customers. So, Subway employees need to possess excellent customer service skills.
Greeting customers with a warm, friendly smile, attentively listening to their orders, and efficiently providing them with the requested service can significantly enhance the customer’s experience. Just imagine being acknowledged with a heartfelt ‘How can I assist you today?’ It surely puts a smile on your face and starts the interaction off right.
Time Management
QSRs, short for Quick Service Restaurants, are called ‘quick’ for a reason. Customers coming in are often in a dash and expect to be served promptly.
As a Subway employee, one has to juggle between taking orders, making sandwiches, managing the payment, and cleaning up – all within a short time frame. Therefore, being able to manage the tasks efficiently and quickly is key to the smooth running of the outlet.
Teamwork
An efficient Subway outlet runs like a well-oiled machine when all team members work together in harmony. Coordination between taking orders at the counter, sandwich assembly, baking, and cleanup is only possible if everyone works as one cohesive unit.
Communication Skills
Efficient two-way communication between team members and customers ensures that the right order reaches the customers efficiently and effectively.
How awful would it be if you ordered a Veggie Delite and ended up with a Meatball Marinara because of miscommunication? Therefore, getting the orders right the first time is crucial and helps keep customers satisfied.
Understanding of Food Safety and Cleanliness
All employees must adhere to the guidelines for cleaning procedures, temperatures for storage of food items and know about potential allergens.
For instance, even something as mundane as switching gloves after handling meat when the next order is a vegan sandwich shows care in avoiding cross-contamination.
Some Subway locations may actually require you to get a food safety license. This is typically a certification that you can do online and is often paid for by the company.
Job Positions Offered at Subway
At Subway, there’s a diverse range of job positions that you can apply for, which cater to all levels of experience, allowing you the potential to climb from entry-level roles to management and beyond.
Let’s go over a couple of the different jobs you can apply for at Subway.
Sandwich Artist
In this position, your primary responsibilities would include greeting customers, taking orders, ensuring proper food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness around the restaurant.
It’s an ideal role if you’re just starting in the food service industry, as it allows gaining firsthand experience in customer service and food preparation.
Senior Sandwich Artist
This role not only carries out the same tasks as a Sandwich Artist but also includes additional responsibilities such as training new staff and assisting in ensuring the smooth operation of the restaurant when the manager is not available.
Shift Manager
As a Shift Manager, you would be responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the Subway during your assigned shift. This includes supervising employees, ensuring customer satisfaction, and handling any issues that may arise.
Assistant Manager
These individuals are responsible for helping with the day-to-day operations of the restaurant and stepping in when the Manager is unavailable. Tasks include but are not limited to scheduling staff shifts, handling money and banking, troubleshooting problems, and managing inventory.
Manager
This position at Subway carries the highest level of responsibility within a particular restaurant. As a Manager, you would be responsible for everything from hiring and training staff to managing budgets and ensuring the restaurant is performing well and meeting all legal and health standards.
Corporate Roles
Subway also provides opportunities for corporate roles. From marketing and human resources to IT and financial positions, each role plays a key part in ensuring Subway’s continued global success.
Hiring Process at Subway
Embarking on your journey to work at Subway begins with understanding their hiring process. It’s fairly straightforward, but there are a few things you should know to put your best foot forward.
Application
This can be done online through Subway’s website or by picking up a paper application in-store. Once you’ve submitted your application, a manager will review it. This process could take a few days, so be patient.
However, don’t be surprised if you receive a call within 12 hours! Yes, that’s correct. Subway is known for its efficient hiring process. As per my understanding, this is because of the company’s commitment to building its team quickly to provide the best service to its customers.
The Job Interview
The interview usually takes place on-site at the Subway location where you’ve applied and is often with the store manager.
Dressing professionally for this is important, as it shows that you’re serious about the job. Remember, first impressions matter!
The interview doesn’t usually take long – typically, around 15-30 minutes. During this time, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your past work experience, your ability to work as part of a team, and your customer service skills.
For instance, some questions you might be asked are: “How do you handle a difficult customer? Do you have any personal experience?” or “Describe a time when you worked in a team to meet a tight deadline.”
The Hiring Decision
It’s not unusual for hiring decisions to be made on the spot. So, if everything goes well, you might find yourself being offered a job immediately after your interview.
If not, don’t worry. Sometimes, the manager might need to interview other candidates before making a decision. In this case, you should receive a decision within a week or two.
Common Questions in a Subway Job Interview
Getting ready to interview for a job at Subway can be a bit nerve-wracking, I know. But just knowing what you might be asked can go a long way in calming those nerves.
Here are some common questions and how best to approach them:
“Tell me about yourself?”
This is a classic opener in many interviews. They’re not asking for your life story. What they want to hear is a brief introduction and a summary of your work experience, especially as it pertains to the job you’re applying for. Keep it concise and related to job skills.
“What do you know about Subway?”
Here, they’re testing your knowledge about the company. It’s always a good idea to research the company before your interview. Learn about their history, culture, and their products.
“Why do you want to work at Subway?”
This question really digs into your motivation. You could talk about your desire to work in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment and highlight your passion for the food industry.
“How do you handle stressful situations?”
Take this chance to talk about your ability to stay calm under pressure and give a real-life example if you have one. For example, handling a rush of customers at a previous job.
“Describe a time when you gave excellent customer service.”
Subway, like many businesses, relies heavily on customer satisfaction, so this is the chance to show off your people skills. Focus on a situation where you went the extra mile to please a customer.
“How would you deal with an unhappy customer?”
This question asks you to show problem-solving skills and your commitment to the customer’s experience. Detail how you’d listen to the customer’s complaints, apologize sincerely, and offer a solution.
Subway’s Look Policy
When you embark on a career journey with Subway, it’s important to keep in mind that you represent not just your individual store but an entire global brand.
This responsibility extends beyond your exceptional service to customers and includes Subway’s “look policy” – the official dress code, grooming, and hygiene standards that all employees must adhere to.
Subway’s dress code essentially revolves around maintaining a clean, neat, and professional appearance. The company-specific uniform- a polo shirt predominantly in green, complete with the Subway logo and black slacks- is the standard attire that you will be required to wear.
Clothes
The shirt is typically paired with black pants or khakis. You should ensure your pants are full-length and not overly baggy or tight.
For footwear, prioritize comfort as you’ll be on your feet a lot, but also ensure that your shoes are black and closed-toed, as this aligns with safety standards. Subway also provides aprons which are also part of the uniform.
Hair
Hair should be clean, neatly styled, and away from your face– especially imperative due to food safety regulations. Subway does allow subtle hair coloring, but you should avoid radical departures from natural colors.
Accessories and Makeup
Subway’s look policy also extends to jewelry and tattoos- minimal jewelry is allowed, and any tattoos you have should not be offensive and must be covered where possible.
Makeup and perfumes should also be kept subtle and minimal, in consideration of customers and colleagues who might be sensitive.
What You Can Expect to Earn at Subway
Navigating the pay scale at a big corporation like Subway can be overwhelming, so I’m here to help break it down for you. It’s important to note that salaries at Subway can widely vary depending on the job position, location, and the amount of experience you bring to the table.
Sandwich Artist Compensation
As a brand-new Subway Sandwich Artist— the entry-level position— you could expect to earn an hourly wage. This wage varies by state due to differences in minimum wage laws, but it often ranges from $8 to $11 an hour for beginners.
Don’t worry if that seems low at first! Remember, everyone has to start somewhere, and Subway offers plenty of opportunities for advancement.
Manager Compensation
If you advance to a Shift Manager or an Assistant Manager position, you could see your earnings rise from an average of about $16 per hour, approximately.
For those who go one step further and reach the Store Manager level, you can expect a significant pay jump. The average yearly salary for a Subway Store Manager, for example, typically falls between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on the store’s location and volume.
Apart from your base pay, many employees have the chance to earn additional money in the form of tips from customers. Those a few dollars here and there really can add up and put a little extra cash in your pocket.
Benefits of Working at Subway
One of the significant advantages of working at Subway, aside from becoming part of a global brand and warm community, is the range of benefits they offer to their employees. Whether you’re in an entry-level role or a managerial position, Subway creates an environment where you feel appreciated and motivated to grow.
Flexible Scheduling
This is one of Subway’s most loved benefits. As someone who has juggled multiple responsibilities, being able to work with a schedule that suits my convenience meant that I could manage my personal commitments as well.
This flexibility is especially beneficial for students or those with a secondary job, ensuring work-life balance is maintained.
Meal or Food Discounts
There’s nothing better than knowing you can savor those delicious, nutritious sandwiches without emptying your wallet. It’s a perk employees look forward to after a hard day’s work!
Healthcare or Insurance Options
For full-time employees, the benefits expand further. Depending on the franchised store’s policy, employees may have access to healthcare or insurance options. Believe me, having this security provides peace of mind, especially in today’s unpredictable times.
Retirement Plan
Some Subway locations also provide a retirement plan. Working at Subway allowed me to think about my future, providing options like a 401(k) plan. It’s assuring to know that the company you work for is invested in your financial safety in the long run.
Career Growth Opportunities
Through the company’s comprehensive training programs and eagerness to promote within, you can find avenues for continual learning and upward mobility within the company. It’s heartening to know that the time and effort you invest in Subway is not just acknowledged, but rewarded, fostering a sense of professional fulfillment.
Next Steps
Remember, everyone’s career trajectory is unique, and success is a highly personal definition. For some, success might look like moving up the ranks within Subway, becoming a store manager, or even owning a franchise one day. Others may use the skills and experience gained to venture into different fields or sectors. And that’s perfectly fine.
In the end, the opportunities are boundless. It’s up to you to grab them and shape your career the way you want to. But remember, every job, no matter how small it may seem, counts as a stepping stone toward your ultimate career goals.
When it comes to applying for a job at Subway, don’t underestimate the power of a polished resume and well-prepared interview skills in landing that job at Subway! Our dedicated career coaches are eager to assist you in highlighting your unique skills and potential, setting you apart from the crowd.
Reach out today for personalized guidance that could be the key to nailing your Subway interview and beginning a new career journey!
