There are two ways to go about this under these circumstances.  One is to propose a salary range that's at least 10% to 15% more than you're earning now, assuming you have a job.  The other is to figure out what it costs you per month to pay all your bills and make ends meet.  Figure out what you're average monthly expenses are over the last several months, take that monthly average times 12 and you should have a fair idea of the level of income you require to make ends meet.  Call that amount $X.  Add about $10K to $X to come up with the top of your anticipated salary range.  Call that amount $Y.  Either way, you should have a salary range that realistically fits your income needs at the moment and should keep you in the running for this job.  If you get the job then you'll have the opportunity to prove you're worth more based on your actual job performance.  Hope this helps.

Paul W. Barada

The Negotiation Expert