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The most opportune time would be just after you have finished asking your questions. At this moment in the proceedings you have relinquished the initiative and are about to hand over control to the interviewers once again.
What will be required is a positive and absolute phrasing of your interest in the position.
Something along the lines of the following should be more than adequate:
- "I'm very interested in becoming a part of your team, so what's the next step?"
- "I would be very pleased to be offered this role. What is the next step in the process?
- "Working in this position would be a dream come true for me. When can I expect to hear your decision?"
The words you choose to use should be appropriate for the level of sophistication of the interviewers involved. The three examples given above should cover the entire spectrum. It might be useful to mix and match the words and sentences as you see fit for what you anticipate will be suitable for the nature of the interview that you will be attending.
You will notice that the sentences used in each of the examples are essentially made up of three components. You are firstly expressing the fact that you are not only interested, but very much so. Secondly you also giving an indication of what the role means to you. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you are inquiring as to where matters lead to next.
The final part is perhaps the most interesting of your declaration. It is, in effect, a little device that you can use to gauge the level of interest that the interviewers have in you. By asking when you can expect to hear from them regarding their decision, or what the next step is in the interviewing process, you are asking (in a roundabout way) whether or not you will be seeing them again.
Once again, consider their reaction to this question. Be aware of their body language and compare this to what their verbal response is. Be on the lookout for any telltale contradiction. You may get lucky and have them tell you whether they will be offering you the job, but don't count on it.