[quote=bjack73]what would one look for in a non-compete agreement that would deter one from accepting a position with a firm?[/quote]

From what I gather from these boards (and personal knowledge regarding some of their brokers), look for the words, "Edward Jones".

Look in the legal section of this forum and search the archives of Bill Singer’s website.  Obviously, less restrictive is better.  A non-solicit clause is easier to work with than a non-compete.  Non-solicits seek to prevent you from asking clients to move with you to another firm.  Non-competes attempt to keep you out of the business, usually in a specific geography for a specific period of time.