What are your signature questions to build rapport?

We all know bankers like to talk about themselves. - What got you interested in this bank... - How did you get started in your career... - what you do from a day to day basis... - what is the culture of the firm....

We have seen deal related questions, cultural fit questions, but i feel these questions are boring and hard to connect.

Would be great to hear from some of you what questions worked for you? Maybe it's from a common book you have read, hobbies. - would love to hear some wittty "pick up" lines or stories.

My personal favorite is : "What occupation would you be in if you were not in Finance/Investment Banking?" This usually gets them thinking with an element of "fun".

Cheers!

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Funniest

Do you regularly iron your socks? Why are you still wearing J Crew? How much of a role did your Dad play in getting you your current role? Have you found Jesus, and if so where was he hiding? Have you cried in the office yet? Why haven't you exited to PE yet, oh, did you not make the cut? Is blow in the office after 2 AM w/o my MDs permission kosher, or do I need to get my mom to sign a permission slip first?

These have all led to immediate in persons, highly recommend

 

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