Negotiating pay when I have been out of work (update)

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a medical assistant. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I also do not want to sell myself short. 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 last year, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.