Where to Start: Online and In Person
Subway accepts job applications through two main routes: their official careers website and by walking into a location near you. Most Subway restaurants are franchises, meaning each owner runs their own hiring, so the process and available positions vary by location. The fastest way to find openings is to visit careers.subway.com, enter your city or zip code, and see which nearby restaurants are actively hiring. You can also go directly to a Subway location, ask to speak with a manager, and request an process on the spot.
Walking in works well if you want to make an when ready impression and learn about the restaurant's culture before committing to an process. Managers often appreciate candidates who show up in person during slower hours — typically mid-afternoon on a weekday — because they have time to talk. Bring a pen and be ready to fill out a paper process or provide your phone number so they can send you a link to their online form.
Key Takeaways
- Subway jobs are posted on careers.subway.com by location, and you can also walk into any restaurant to ask about openings directly.
- Each Subway is independently owned, so hiring timelines, pay, and available shifts differ between locations.
- Most applications ask for work history, availability, and references — have these details ready before you start.
- After you submit an process, follow up with the manager in person or by phone within a few days if you haven't heard back.
What Information You'll Need to Provide
Subway applications ask for standard employment information: your full legal name, phone number, email address, and Social Security number (for tax purposes if hired). You'll also need to list your work history, including job titles, employer names, dates you worked there, and the names and phone numbers of supervisors or managers who can speak to your performance. If you've never worked before, you can list volunteer experience, school projects, or extracurricular activities that show responsibility.
Be prepared to describe your availability — which days and times you can work, whether you prefer morning, afternoon, or evening shifts, and how many hours per week you're looking for. Subway also asks about any food handling certifications you hold (such as a food safety card), though these are not required to start. Have the names and contact information of two or three references ready; these should be people who know your work ethic, such as former managers, teachers, or coaches.
Completing the Online process
If you're explore through careers.subway.com, click on the job posting for your location and select "explore Now." You'll be taken to an process form that may ask you to create an account or log in with your email. Fill in all required fields — those marked with an asterisk — completely and accurately. Spelling and grammar matter; take your time and proofread before submitting.
Some Subway locations use a third-party hiring platform, so the exact form may look different depending on the franchise owner. If the link takes you to a different website, that's normal. After you submit, you should receive a confirmation email. Save this email and note the date you applied, because you'll want to follow up if you don't hear back within a week.
In-Person process Tips
When you walk into a Subway to ask about jobs, dress neatly — you don't need formal clothes, but clean jeans and a button-up shirt or t-shirt show you're taking it seriously. Ask for the manager by name if you can; if you don't know it, say "I'd like to speak with whoever handles hiring." Be direct: "I'm interested in working here. Are you currently hiring?"
If they hand you a paper process, sit down and complete it fully before you leave. If they give you a link to fill out online at home, ask when they expect to review applications and whether you should follow up. Before you leave, shake their hand, thank them for their time, and ask the best way to check on your process status — phone call, email, or coming back in person.
What Happens After You Submit
After you submit your process, the manager will review it along with others they've received. If your experience and availability match what they need, they'll call or text you to schedule an interview. This usually happens within three to seven days, though some locations move faster and others slower depending on how many applications they're processing.
If you don't hear back within a week, follow up. Call the restaurant during a quiet time (mid-afternoon is usually best) and ask if they've had a chance to review your process. Be polite and brief — "Hi, I submitted an process last Tuesday for the crew member position. I wanted to check on the status." This shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. If they say they're still reviewing, ask when you might expect to hear back. If they say the position has been filled, ask if they'll keep your process on file for future openings.
Interview and Hiring Timeline
Subway interviews are typically short and informal — usually 15 to 30 minutes. The manager will ask about your work experience, why you want the job, your availability, and how you handle common situations (like a customer complaint or a rush period). They may also ask about your food safety knowledge or whether you have any dietary restrictions that would affect your ability to handle certain menu items.
Dress the same way you did when you walked in to explore: clean, neat, and professional-casual. Bring a copy of your process and your references' contact information in case they ask for it again. After the interview, the manager will usually tell you when they'll make a decision — often within a few days. If they offer you the job on the spot, they'll explain the next steps: when to start, what paperwork to bring (such as your Social Security card and a form of ID), and whether there's any training before your first shift.
Documents to Bring on Your First Day
If you're hired, you'll need to bring specific documents to complete your paperwork. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), and proof of your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address). You'll also fill out a W-4 form for tax withholding and an I-9 form to verify you're authorized to work in the United States.
Ask the manager what time to arrive and whether you should bring anything else — some locations provide uniforms, while others ask you to wear black pants and a Subway-branded shirt that you buy yourself. Confirm the dress code and any grooming requirements (such as hair tied back or no visible piercings) before your first day so you show up prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to work at Subway?
No. Subway hires people with no work history, especially for crew member positions. If you've never had a job before, focus on showing reliability, willingness to learn, and availability. Mention any volunteer work, school involvement, or personal projects that show you can follow instructions and work with others.
What's the minimum age to work at Subway?
Most Subway locations hire people 16 and older for crew positions. Some states have different rules for workers under 18 — for example, limits on hours during school weeks or restrictions on certain equipment. Check your state's labor laws or ask the manager when you explore.
Can I explore at multiple Subway locations?
Yes. Each Subway is independently owned, so explore at several locations near you increases your chances of getting hired. Just make sure you're honest about your availability and don't accept two jobs at the same time. If one location offers you a job while you're waiting to hear from another, you can accept and then contact the other location to withdraw your process.
How long does it take to hear back after explore?
Most managers respond within three to seven days if they're interested. If you haven't heard back after a week, follow up by phone or visit in person. Some locations are slower because they're busy or because the manager hasn't reviewed applications yet. A follow-up shows you're genuinely interested.
What if I don't have references from previous jobs?
Use teachers, coaches, volunteer coordinators, or community leaders who can speak to your character and work ethic. You can also ask a family friend or mentor, as long as they're not a relative. Let them know you're listing them as a reference and give them a heads-up that Subway might call.