'IT geeks' deter jobseekers

Jobseekers may be deterred from applying for vacancies in the IT sector, as many people believe IT professionals are 'techie geeks', it has emerged.

According to a new survey from GCS, 40% of people think IT workers lack social skills and 12% consider the industry to be dominated by men.

This follows calls last week from the Women's Forum Manager of the British Computer Society, Jan Peters, for more female IT professionals to encourage schoolgirls to pursue a career in the sector.

GCS Managing Director, Chris Bartlett, urged employers to promote the IT sector to youngsters.

He said: 'By working with a local school or college you could offer students career advice or actively promote careers in IT, so girls as well as boys are clear on the opportunities a career in IT can present.'

The skills shortage in IT could be solved through 'small changes,' he suggested.