CHICAGO (CBS) There was uncertainty, anxiety and even some tears as hundreds of Dominick’s employees packed a store sponsored job fair.

6,642 employees face layoffs next month when the stores close. Dorothy Tucker reports on the challenges facing the soon to be unemployed.

Deli worker Patti Jasinski wipes away tears at the jobs fair, sponsored by a company she thought she’d never leave.

“It’s pretty hard on all of us. I don’t want to cry, but it is devastating,” said Jasinski, who has worked for Dominick’s for 25 years.

Jasinski is among the thousands of Dominick’s employees facing an uncertain future as the company closes 72 stores.

Armed with resumes, business cards, and forced smiles, everyone from cashiers to managers and most with 20 plus years at Dominick’s look for another job right before the holidays.

“This is the first jobs fair I’ve ever been to in my entire life,” said meat cutter Mike Kowalczk.

Kowalczyk has been with the company 40 years. Like most, he rose through the ranks and didn’t need a resume. Now everyone needs one and most need help writing them.

What the workers offer, experience, skills, is attractive to the 40 grocer and retail companies accepting resumes.

“I’m not afraid. I think once I put in a resume if I can get the interview I think I can sell myself,” said Kowalczk.

If employees find a job before the company closes next month, the union is advising them to delay starting the new job so they won’t lose their severance with Dominick’s.

Employers we talked to say they understand and will wait for workers they want.