Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - 10 weeks in

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a pharmacy technician. Any experience at all would help. I also do not want to sell myself short. Does giving a range hurt?

Benefits matter too. A slightly lower rate with better coverage was better for me.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.