I went through a similar thought process (2004) for UPS. I took a seasonal job on the delivery truck for Christmas.
It helped show a desire to work for the company...at least, that is what the feed back was.
I can not speculate if it would help you right now though.

For those who have gotten/are getting interview invites: Phone call or email?

Invites usually go out via email

It will help for sure, FedEx loves to hire from within. If you are a permanent part time employee for 1 year you can apply for any open position which you are qualified. So if you are able to maintain currency in flying, and work at FedEx part time you can then apply and will be guaranteed a pilot interview.

Hey thanks a bunch!

Guaranteed a pilot interview?

Anyone else confirm?

This is after you have been in a permanent part time position at FedEx Express for 1 year.

I think this has recently been changed. And not in a good way but a screw you way! Not sure what happened or who did what but I was told unequivocally that they will not interview internally any more!

Mine was email

I got the email invitation Thursday 8/4. I responded Friday morning with my preference and was scheduled Monday morning for the 8/23-24 interview. I've got a 30-hour layover in HKG and will spend most of it watching/reading RST and Emerald Coast.

The timing is interesting as I've already sold my house and close the day the interview starts. I had the closing moved 1 day left to accommodate the interview. We were planning to roam the country in an RV since my current company has a gateway airport benefit, but now we need to re-think that plan. One thing at a time (ha!)