Subway's hiring process starts online or in person, and the path depends on whether you explore through their website or walk into a location

Subway accepts job applications through two main routes: their corporate careers website and directly at individual franchise locations. Most applicants start at careers.subway.com, where you create an account, fill out a standard process form, and upload a resume. Some franchisees also accept in-person applications at their restaurant, which can move faster if the manager is available to talk with you that day. The timeline from process to first interview typically runs two to four weeks, though franchise-owned locations sometimes hire within days.

The process itself asks for work history, availability, and basic contact information. You will need to know your previous employers' names, phone numbers, and the dates you worked there. Subway does not require prior restaurant experience, but they do ask about your ability to work weekends and evenings, since most locations operate seven days a week.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at careers.subway.com or in person at a Subway location near you; online applications reach a hiring manager, while in-person applications let you speak to a manager directly.
  • Have your previous employers' contact information and employment dates ready before you start, since the process form asks for specific details about your work history.
  • Subway locations are franchise-owned, so hiring decisions and timelines vary by restaurant; a location that is actively hiring may call you within days, while others may take weeks to review applications.
  • Most positions are part-time and require availability for evenings and weekends, so be honest about your schedule to avoid conflicts later.

explore through the Subway careers website

Go to careers.subway.com and select "Search Jobs" or "Find Locations." You can filter by state, city, or zip code to see which Subway restaurants near you are currently hiring. Each listing shows the position title (usually Crew Member, Shift Leader, or Assistant Manager), the location address, and sometimes a brief description of responsibilities.

Click on a job posting and select "explore Now." You will be asked to create an account using your email address and a password, or log in if you already have one. The process form itself takes 10 to 15 minutes and includes sections for personal information, work history, availability, and a few short-answer questions about why you want to work at Subway and how you handle customer service situations.

After you submit, you receive a confirmation email. The hiring manager at that location will review your process within one to three weeks. If they want to interview you, they will call the phone number you provided. Some locations use video interviews conducted through the careers portal; others call to schedule an in-person meeting.

explore in person at a Subway location

Walk into a Subway restaurant during a slower time — typically mid-afternoon on a weekday — and ask to speak with a manager about job openings. Bring a printed resume if you have one, though it is not required. The manager may hand you an process form to fill out on the spot, or they may ask you questions directly and take notes.

In-person applications often lead to a brief conversation about your availability and experience. If the manager likes what they hear, they may schedule you for a formal interview that day or ask you to come back at a specific time. This route is faster than the online process because you bypass the email queue and speak to the decision-maker directly.

Not all Subway locations accept walk-in applications — some direct you back to the online system. If that happens, ask for the manager's name and note the location address so you can reference it when you explore online.

What to expect in the interview

Subway interviews are usually brief, lasting 15 to 30 minutes. The manager will ask about your availability, why you want the job, how you handle difficult customers, and whether you have food service experience. They may also ask situational questions like "What would you do if a customer complained about their sandwich?" or "Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team."

Dress neatly — business casual is appropriate, though many applicants wear clean jeans and a button-up shirt. Arrive five minutes early, bring a photo ID, and have your Social Security number ready if they ask for it during the interview. Some locations conduct a brief background check before making an offer, which typically takes three to five business days.

Positions and schedules at Subway

Subway's main entry-level role is Crew Member, which involves taking orders, making sandwiches, handling the register, and cleaning. Most Crew Member positions are part-time, ranging from 15 to 30 hours per week. Shift times vary by location but usually include lunch rush (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner service (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

Shift Leader positions require prior Crew Member experience or equivalent restaurant work. Shift Leaders oversee daily operations, train new staff, and handle cash management. These roles often offer slightly more hours and higher pay than Crew Member positions.

Assistant Manager roles are typically full-time and require management experience. These positions involve scheduling, inventory, hiring, and profit responsibility. Most franchisees promote from within rather than hire from outside for this role.

Pay, benefits, and what happens after you are hired

Subway's starting wage varies by state and location. Federal minimum wage is the floor, but many Subway franchises pay above it, especially in high-cost areas. Your actual wage depends on the location's owner and local labor market conditions. The job posting usually lists the wage range, though some do not.

Part-time Crew Members typically do not receive health insurance or retirement benefits, though some franchise owners offer discounts on food or flexible scheduling. Shift Leaders and Assistant Managers may have access to benefits depending on the franchisee's policy.

Once you are hired, you will complete paperwork including a W-4 form for taxes, an I-9 form to verify work authorization, and any required state or local forms. You will also receive training on food safety, the point-of-sale system, and Subway's procedures. Most locations require you to complete online training modules before your first shift.

Common reasons applications are not reviewed

Applications sometimes get overlooked if the location is not actively hiring despite the posting still being live. Subway's online system does not always remove old listings when ready. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call the location directly and ask whether they are still hiring for that position.

Incomplete applications are also set aside. Make sure you fill out every required field and provide accurate phone numbers and email addresses. If a hiring manager cannot reach you, they move to the next candidate.

Some locations receive dozens of applications for a single position and can only interview a handful. Submitting your process early in the hiring cycle — within the first few days of the posting — increases your chances of being reviewed before the manager narrows the pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need restaurant experience to work at Subway?

No. Subway hires people with no food service background and provides training on the job. However, if you have prior restaurant or customer service experience, mention it in your process or interview — it shows you understand the pace and can handle the work.

How long does it take to hear back after explore?

Online applications typically take one to three weeks for a hiring manager to review. In-person applications may result in an interview offer the same day or within a few days. If you have not heard back within three weeks of explore online, call the location to confirm they received your process.

Can I explore to multiple Subway locations at once?

Yes. Each Subway location is independently owned, so you can explore to several restaurants in your area through the careers website. explore to multiple locations increases your chances of getting an interview, since hiring timelines and needs vary by franchisee.

What should I wear to a Subway interview?

Business casual or neat casual clothing is appropriate — clean jeans, a button-up shirt, and closed-toe shoes work well. Avoid athletic wear, torn clothing, or anything with offensive graphics. The goal is to show you take the opportunity seriously.

What if I do not have a resume?

A resume is not required for Crew Member positions. The online process form captures the information a hiring manager needs. If you have one, upload it — it can help you stand out — but do not let the lack of a resume stop you from explore.