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It's graduation week at AUT, so thousands of students are walking the streets of Auckland and filling the Aotea Centre waiting to receive their well-deserved qualifications. Greeting these hard working graduates on stage are just two people, the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of AUT, tasked with shaking every one of their hands and placing a cap on their head.

AUT Chancellor John Maasland has a long history in business and corporate governance, and has shaken the hands of many thousands of dignitaries, politicians and even heads of state over the years and has some tips for graduates considering the 'perfect handshake' as they embark on their careers.

"A handshake is often your first opportunity to form a bond with someone, and should not be underestimated in terms of its importance when interviewing or negotiating and making first impressions.

"The trick to a good handshake is to be firm but not too firm, have a dry hand, and also to not stand too far away from the person who you are greeting. The other important element is to make eye contact with the person whose hand you are greeting, as this portrays trust and confidence to that person". Most AUT students have been very good at making eye contact, says Mr Maasland.

"Hugs and kisses ought to be kept to a minimum at a graduation ceremony", he continues "but occasionally lighten things up.

"However you look at the experience," says Mr Maasland, "graduation day is a most enjoyable one for me."

Practising your handshake when you meet Chancellor Maasland on stage at graduation is a great way to warm up for the interviews for internships, graduate positions and permanent roles that are likely to follow.

Don't forget, the AUT INTERNZ service is here for you until six months after you graduate, with plenty of New Zealand employers using it to find new AUT graduates and students looking for opportunities to launch their career.