Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - 11 months and counting

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as an event coordinator. Any experience at all would help. I do not want to price myself out. What did you say?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 11 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

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