These techniques work great, I've had success with pushing back against language in contracts like these even as an intern. Often times, after doing all the hard work of interviewing you, companies are willing to compromise, so they don't have to go back to square one.
Places this might not work are larger companies with armies of lawyers--you don't have leverage in these places, since if not you, they can find someone else to sign the contract.
Places this might not work are larger companies with armies of lawyers--you don't have leverage in these places, since if not you, they can find someone else to sign the contract.