Negotiating pay when I have been out of work

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a line cook. I also do not want to sell myself short. Does giving a range hurt?

I gave a range based on local postings and said I was flexible depending on the whole package. They did not push back.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.