Negotiating pay when I have been out of work after 18 years as a line cook

I do not know whether to give a range or ask for theirs. I worked as a line cook before this. I also do not want to sell myself short.

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

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