Negotiating pay when I have been out of work, web developer here

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a web developer. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I also do not want to sell myself short.

Check several sources for pay in Chicago, 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.