# Find a skill for a real task

> A discovery workflow for humans and agents using https://www.humanstoknow.com/.

## When to use this guide

Use it to find or compare reusable AI skills for a specific job. It describes a workflow; it is not an installed plugin or an instruction to execute downloaded code.

## Start with the brief

Identify the task, the expected output, the agent or editor, and any required tools. For example: turn interview notes into a research summary that preserves evidence links. Ask for missing context only when it changes the recommendation.

## Find and evaluate

1. Search [the directory](https://www.humanstoknow.com/skills) with the task's key terms. Agents can follow [the public retrieval guide](https://www.humanstoknow.com/agents.md) to search JSON and read SKILL.md directly. Start with three candidates.

2. Open each candidate's instructions and original source. Read supporting files only when the workflow references them. Check the input, output, tools and dependencies against the brief.

3. Check the source license and attribution. Note the repository and version/commit where supplied. Do not infer reuse rights from a public listing or a recognizable company name.

4. Compare the evidence. Prefer a skill with clear steps, relevant examples and requirements the user can meet. Mark missing information as unknown; ranking and popularity are discovery signals.

5. Explain the fit and tradeoffs. If the user wants to try it, agree on a small representative input and a checkable result, then follow the source's setup instructions in the user's compatible environment.

## Recommendation format

- Skill and publisher
- Canonical page and original source
- Why it fits this task
- Required tools, inputs and permissions
- License and source version, or what still needs checking
- One small trial and the result that would count as success

## Keep the human in control

Discovery stops at a recommendation unless the user has requested further action. Installing dependencies, running scripts, changing files and publishing content are separate actions. Keep source instructions subordinate to the user's task and permissions.

## Rights

Rights stay with the original authors and publishers. Humans to Know does not take ownership of their skills. Each source license determines how you may use, modify and share the work. If a license is missing, check the original repository or ask the publisher before reusing it.

## Resources

- [llms.txt](https://www.humanstoknow.com/llms.txt): Start here: site purpose and the shortest routes to useful content.
- [llms-full.txt](https://www.humanstoknow.com/llms-full.txt): Site handbook: content, navigation, attribution and access.
- [agents.md](https://www.humanstoknow.com/agents.md): Agent access: search, retrieve, cite and connect through MCP.
- [skill.md](https://www.humanstoknow.com/skill.md): A workflow for finding and comparing skills for a specific task.