article_snippet: John Cridland,  director general of the Confederation of British Industry, says pupils need more than just A*s .
article_snippet: The glut of top grades at GCSE and A-level is forcing employers to focus on young people’s extra-curricular activities, according to a business leader.
article_snippet: Mr Cridland said Mr Cridland members must consider character-building elements of a candidate’s CV, rather than just qualifications.
article_snippet: Mr Cridland told the Times Educational Supplement that ‘frankly everybody has A*s’ and said employers want someone who ‘stands out from the crowd’.
article_snippet: [These] are just as important to employers.
article_snippet: ’ Mr Cridland added that most bosses ‘do not recruit on subject or qualification’ but look for ‘enthusiasm, creativity and passion’.
article_snippet: The CBI has previously bemoaned the poor quality of candidates entering the workplace, criticising levels of numeracy and literacy.
article_snippet: However Mr Cridland stopped short of suggesting ‘character’ should be taught as a separate subject, saying: ‘A good teacher develops these things in the classroom while teaching English.
article_snippet: ’ Mr Cridland added that Ofsted inspections should focus more on the all-round development of pupils.
article_snippet: Mr Cridland suggests pupils look at extra activities which may impress future bosses .
highlights_snippet: John Cridland says pupils need more than just good grades to get a job .
  
highlights_snippet: Director general of the CBI says employers want people who 'stand out'
  Suggests extra-curricular activities like theatre clubs key to getting a job .