TheraLinks

Unfortunately many contract companies don't put their contractors and clients first - they put themselves first. Many of these companies can be incredibly unscrupulous when it comes to their business practices, and the lengths they'll go to secure a hire.

At TheraLinks our philosophy is different. However, we feel that it's very important to make everyone aware of some of the common strategies other companies employ to get their way.

Never sign a non-compete!

As an independent contractor be very wary of any company that requires, or even asks, you to sign a non-compete clause. Non-compete clauses are only good for one party, and that's not you! If a company is asking you to sign a non-compete agreement that just means they don't have your best interests in mind. Often times unscrupulous companies will offer contractors an unusually high hourly rate or annual salary - and they'll probably say there's no catch. However, the catch will be that the contract for that rate is (typically) for one year - but the non-compete clause they ask you to sign is for two or more years. Here's what happens next. Your annual contract is up and it's time to renew your contract for the next year. But guess what? The rate the company is offering you for next year just took a nose dive. The contract company tells you one reason or another the rate is falling, and reminds you that if you don't want to renew your contract with them for the lower compensation that you can't go contract for another company without the threat of litigation; because you've signed a non-compete agreement. This is one of the worst and most deceitful tactics many contract companies employ.

Likewise, districts should never sign non-compete clauses with contract agencies, nor agreements that they will not directly hire contractors without a fee. Such agreements limit both their own and their contractors options, and are anti-competitive in nature.

At TheraLinks we don't believe in non-compete clauses, and contractors are always free to switch to direct hire status with no impediment.

Check the facts!

Some contract companies will say or do anything they can to get you working for them. As a contractor, you need to check that the details a contract company tells you (especially a non-local company) are accurate. Make sure you confirm everything you've been told about the position with your School Board interviewer regarding particulars like: job requirements, supervision duties, required travel, and any other concerns.

At TheraLinks we do our best to describe the open position as accurately as possible. However, ultimately, the work being done is in the service of the School Board, and so it's always prudent to check and/or confirm the specifics of the position during your interview.

Don't be pressured!

It's true that many times positions can open and be filled quickly. However, even with the perfect candidate, and perfect timing, it can take up to a week to secure an interview and contract offer. If a company is being overly pushy and bothersome that may be a red flag that you won't enjoy working with them on a weekly basis.

At TheraLinks we do our best to present position openings to prospective contractors as quickly as possible. We know that when a contractor is offered a position they know it could go quickly, and they usually also know if they're interested or not. And if you're not interested, we certainly don't want to bother you!

We do things other companies wouldn't dream of!

At TheraLinks we do things like: openly advertising our starting pay ranges, and offering a $300 bonus for successful referrals. These are just a couple of the ways we're striving to set ourselves above the competition. As a contractor, or as a client, we're sure we can provide better service, at more favorable rates, than any of the competition! Work with TheraLinks and we'll make sure you're treated right!