Ask Permission
Here are some suggested wordings for getting permission:
Do you mind if I take notes? I want to keep the details of this discussion very clear in my mind because the more I learn about this opportunity, the more confident I am that I can make an important contribution.
Notice how the applicant embeds a selling message in her request.
Also ask permission before you look at your notes when you ask your questions:
While we were talking, I jotted down a few points I wanted to ask about. May I have a minute to consult my notes?
Or: Thanks for the detailed description of the opportunity and the company.
I know you answered most of my questions in the course of our conversation. Before I came here, I jotted down a few questions I didn’t want to forget. May I consult my notes?