Possible Answer #1:
“Hard work is what every breadwinner does today, including a rickshaw puller or a daily wager.

Smart work is what the educated masses like us are supposed to do, and some of us are actually doing it, like my father.

A well-balanced combination of both hard work and smart work is the secret formula to success.

I have friends who study all through the year and yet have 10 back papers to clear.

They do not have any interview calls in their kitty, and what do you think is the reason behind this?

It is their lack of understanding about smart work.

All year through, they were only working hard, but not smartly.

They did not prioritize their goals properly.

Again, there’s me, I do not have any back papers and have a decent CGPA. I am also attending this interview today.

Whatever might be the outcome, I feel I have prioritized my goals correctly and have worked both hard and smart.

That is the difference between hard work and smart work.”

Possible Answer #2:
“Hard work is delivering work on time with more effort and smart work is delivering work on time, with lesser effort.

I feel that is the basic difference.

Most of the times, in the corporate world, I feel a combination of both is needed to attain excellence.”