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 dental hygienist. Any experience at all would help. I do not want to price myself out. Does giving a range hurt?

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

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 10 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.