Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 11 years as an HR coordinator

I have been out of work for 2 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. Thank you in advance. I also do not want to sell myself short. What did you say?

Check several sources for pay in Knoxville, then pick a range where the low end is one you can live with.

Asking about the range for the role first worked for me. Some recruiters share it.