IT professionals are often seen as techie geeks, a new survey has revealed.
A poll by GCS has discovered that fewer jobseekers may want to apply for jobs in IT, as 40 per cent of people think IT workers lack social skills.
Furthermore, 12 per cent of respondents believe the industry is male dominated.
According to Chris Bartlett, GCS managing director, employers should be working towards challenging these preconceptions.
"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," he said.
"Small changes" to the industry could aid the current skills shortage, Mr Bartlett added.
Women's forum manager of the British Computer Society Jan Peters recently suggested that more female role models are needed in IT.
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