Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 12 years as a mechanic

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a mechanic. It has been a long 21 weeks. I looked up ranges in Kansas City and they vary a lot.

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

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