How do you structure an A+ “Why this bank?” - and is asking for a referral during a first coffee chat too forward?

Hi everyone, hope you’re doing well. I’d appreciate your thoughts on two recruiting questions.

1. How do you build a genuinely strong “Why this bank?” answer?

The standard advice is to discuss the firm’s culture, values, and leadership. My concern is that these points can feel generic and probably not reflect the experience of a particular team or analyst class, even though I resonate with them.

People also recommend mentioning recent deals. However, the publicly available information is often too limited to explain convincingly why a specific transaction makes me want to join that bank.

How would you structure an A+ answer that is specific, credible, and personal? Which factors are genuinely differentiating - team structure, sector or product exposure, responsibility, training, geographic coverage, recent strategic momentum, or something else?

If someone has a really strong why this firm, id really like to hear it or be directed to a forum post where it is further explained. 

I know these "Structured training program, exposure to all types of transactions (sellside/buyside M&A, debt/equity financing), complexity of larger deals, developing camaraderie with large analyst class, more diverse group of people around you creates opportunity to learn new perspectives/cultures, and strong deal flow". 

Most people i have spoken with one-on-one say that the job is good but banks are much all the same. 

2. Is it appropriate to ask for a referral during a first coffee chat?

My current approach is to spend most of the conversation learning about the person’s experience and assessing whether I would actually enjoy working with that team. If the conversation goes particularly well or just for the hell of it, I will close with something like:

“I’ve really enjoyed speaking with you, so thank you again for your time. I know getting an interview at a bank like X is extremely competitive, even with relevant experience. If you felt comfortable doing so, would you be willing to recommend me when applications open?" 

I’d then follow up with my personal email and the exact position.

Is this reasonable after a strong first conversation, or does it come across as too transactional? Would it be better to follow up later or ask after speaking for a second time?