One of the reasons you "bed" the cork gasket in Permatex No. 3 - to hold it in place while the cover is put on (which really holds it) AND to seal it.
Use a small 1/4" artist's brush and "paint" the permatex in the bottom of the groove. Apply to one side of the cork if you think it will hold it better.
It isn't necessary if you assemble the engine "upside down" according to Ford's methodology. But working underneath on your back, the "gookum putty" is an aid to holding parts together before the knife edge of the semi-circle cover can be applied.
There is a spray permatex product I use on the long pan gaskets when working overhead. I'm not finding the name - but it comes as a spray, goes on like a red translucent coating. You let dry to "tack" and then apply the gasket - which in theory holds in place long enough to put the pan up and catch it with a few bolts.